England does not need a nation of adults with Oxford degrees, the Government's chosen social mobility chief has warned.

Dame Martina Milburn told MPs she is concerned that many young people are being "forced down an academic route that doesn't suit them" and wants to see an overhaul of vocational education.

A shake-up of the system would "make a real difference" to social mobility, ensuring everyone gets the same opportunities in life, regardless of background.

Dame Martina was announced in May as the Government's preferred candidate to become the next chairwoman of the social mobility commission.

The position became open after the entire board, led by chairman Alan Milburn, quit in December in protest at a lack of progress towards a "fairer Britain".

At a pre-appointment hearing by the Commons education committee on Wednesday, Dame Martina was asked what she "expects to challenge the Government on first".

She replied: "Personally, I would like to really look at vocational education. I think that, for me, is a huge key to making a real difference in social mobility."