News Desk

KPMG one of the world's largest accountancy firms has announced it will pay for high-flying sixth formers to go onto university, cover accommodation costs, and tuition fees, in what is being described as the first sign of things to come by large corporations attempting to recruit young talent, that may have been deterred to study at university following changes in tuition fees.

In a deal that will see the best sixth formers recruited to study accountancy at Durham University's Business School, KPMG will invest in 75 A'level students in the first year but this figure will increase to 400 in the next years.

The number of graduate recruits will fall to incorporate the number of students recruited from schools and the scheme is hoped will attract students from poorer backgrounds into accountancy.

Salaries for the scheme will range from £20,000 - £45,000 when the contract finishes after six years.

The Times has reported that other universities could be included in the scheme; one name being tipped is Exeter. Other "Big Four" accountancy firms are believed to be considering similar schemes.