Sixth-formers in all secondary schools should be able to take a standard test of logic, maths and verbal reasoning alongside A-levels to help universities spot "hidden talent", a government advisory body will recommend next week.

Professor Steven Schwartz, vice-chancellor of Brunel University and chair of a review of university admissions, told a conference in London yesterday that he wanted to include an aptitude test, modelled on the US SATs, in the curriculum.