Oxford University should introduce sweeping changes to attract more working class students, an internal inquiry has concluded.

The biggest review of the University for 30 years says Oxford must also do more to attract ethnic minorities and disabled students.

The recommendations hold out the prospect of a modern Oxford University for the Millennium.

Its key recommendations include:

A new committee to bring about a fairer deal for working class state school pupils and other groups which are poorly-represented at Oxford

Allowing future vice-chancellors to come from outside the University

Exams every year for undergraduates, reducing the importance of the Finals.

The eight-member commission was largely made up of senior Oxford figures and chaired by the former vice-chancellor, Sir Peter North.

Sir Peter, principal of Jesus College, said: "In a rapidly-changing world, the University took the quite proper view that it should take a comprehensive look at itself.

"We have strongly backed the retention of a collegiate University structure, with undergraduate teaching underpinned by the tutorial system, whilst at the same time sustaining research at the highest level."

The vice-chancellor, Dr Colin Lucas, said it would take time to digest the recommendations, but the debate would begin immediately.

The last review on a similar scale was carried out by the Lord Franks Commission from 1964-66.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.