Universities are to pioneer a radical new blueprint for assessing students following claims that the current 200-year-old degree classification system is no longer "fit for purpose".

Students will be given a transcript – listing their marks in individual essays and work, together with other information such as work experience or studying abroad – in an attempt to help potential employers select the most talented youngsters.

Figures show the number of firsts awarded has nearly doubled in the past decade, from 7.5 per cent of all scripts to 13 per cent, while the number of 2:1 degrees has gone up from 44 to 48 per cent. It was also claimed this year that pressure was being brought to bear on academic staff to award more firsts to ensure their university achieved a good ranking in league tables. Now 18 universities have agreed to pilot the new Hear (Higher Education Achievement Record) transcript in an attempt to ensure the degree classification system meets modern needs.

Under the trial, the 18 institutions will pilot the Hear in four subjects – English, biology, accounting and the creative arts. As a first step this year, it will be tried out on recent graduates – and then introduced early next year with existing students.

The initiative is being backed by student leaders for whom Aaron Porter, vice-president of the National Union of Students, said: "The current degree classification system is no longer fit for purpose. Students deserve a more detailed acknowledgement of their achievement from their time in higher education. "

Professor Bob Burgess, the vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, and chairman of a steering group reviewing university classifications, said he was "delighted" that so many institutions had agreed to the pilot, adding: "This will give us an opportunity to see if the proposals add value and are practical. I look forward to seeing the results." The pilot has also won the approval of government ministers. David Lammy, the new Higher Education minister, welcomed the scheme yesterday for giving "clear and transparent information" about students to their future employers. An inquiry by Professor Burgess's group last year concluded that the degree classification system was not fit for purpose but failed to agree on whether to replace it. The Hear system will run alongside the current classification, with the level of degree awarded included in the transcript.

As reported this year, Professor Geoffrey Alderman, the former head of quality at the University of London, claimed lecturers had been told to "mark softly" to ensure enough first-class degree passes were awarded to win a high ranking in university league tables.

*The 18 universities taking part in the Hear trial are: Aberystwyth; Derby; Gloucestershire; Goldsmiths – University of London; Greenwich; Keele; Leicester; Manchester; Newcastle; Newman University College; Northampton; Northumbria; St Andrews; Ulster; University College London; University for the Creative Arts – Canterbury; University of Wales Institute – Cardiff; York St John.

The order of the 'Douglas' Under-achievers

*Carol Vorderman

Was awarded a third in engineering at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, in 1981.

*Hugh Laurie

The actor got a third in archaeology and anthropology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, in 1981.

*Christopher Hitchens

The writer got a third in philosophy, politics and economics from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1970.

*David Dimbleby

The broadcaster graduated from Christ Church College, Oxford, with a third in philosophy, politics and economics.

*Evelyn Waugh

The novelist only managed a third in history at Hertford College, Oxford. When was asked what he had done for his college, he said: "I drank for it."