Wert claims that the exam 'is pointless' because 94 per cent of those who enter pass it, and that this makes for a 'mediocre' level of education in graduates.

Whilst most would argue that the majority tend to pass selectividad because their desire to get to university means they work hard to ensure they do, Wert has decided the high success rate means it is 'too easy'.

He also says there are too many differences in selectividad exams between the 17 autonomous regions in the country, and he wants to see a more uniform approach.

The ministry of education recently said that the requirement of obtaining a mark of 55 per cent in order to qualify for tuition fees being paid by way of a grant will rise next year to 65 per cent.

Already, those who failed to achieve 60 per cent will now no longer qualify for a grant to help them towards their basic living expenses whilst they are at college, potentially meaning many teenagers will be denied the opportunity of a higher education because neither they nor their parents can afford to support them or pay college fees.