National Education

Professional services firm PwC has received its highest ever number of graduate applications this year after deciding to scrap UCAS scores as entry criteria.

More than 41,000 students applied to 2,000 graduate, school leaver, paid internship and work placement positions. More than 23,000 applications were for graduate roles alone, a 15 per cent increase on the same period in 2014.

The number of females applying for roles also increased to 47 per cent from 41 per cent in 2014.

Gaenor Bagley, head of people at PwC, said: "The level of interest in our student roles this year is simply astounding, especially given the fierce competition for top talent.

"The surge in applications, since we changed our graduate recruitment criteria, is an early indicator that efforts to attract students from wider pockets of society is working. We are seeing young people begin to rethink the career options available to them and make informed decisions about their future career."