Young people believe who you know is more likely to bring success than going to uni

Pupils think knowing the right people is more likely to bring success than going to university.

Some 75% said they expected to rely on connections while 85% reckon confidence takes you to the top.

Just 65% rate going to university, down from a high of 86% in 2013.

And 20% feel university is pointless, up from 11%, while 64% of the 2,000 quizzed would be ­interested in apprenticeships. The survey of 11 to 16-year-olds for education charity the Sutton Trust comes as sixth-formers collect their A-level results.

Sir Peter Lampl, trust chairman, said: “It’s no surprise people have doubts.

20% feel university is pointless (file pic) (Getty)

"If they go on to university, they incur debts [and can] end up with degrees that don’t get them into graduate jobs.

"People need better advice on where different degrees and apprenticeships lead.”