Universities could do more to help "level the playing field" for applicants from deprived backgrounds, a report has suggested.

The commission set up to advise ministers on widening access to higher education found "a persistent gap" between students from Scotland's most and least deprived communities, despite progress over the last 10 years.

It has called for a move away from "perceived deficits in individuals" to "more fundamental, systemic change".

An interim report found that even when disadvantaged students achieve similar or identical grades, their more affluent peers are significantly more likely to be offered a university place.

It found university admissions were placing greater value on non-academic experiences more likely to be available to better-off students, such as playing a musical instrument or completing a Duke of Edinburgh award.

Students from affluent backgrounds are also more likely to have the "financial, educational and parental" resources to navigate the application process.

The report said: "These considerations lead us to wonder whether the non-academic elements of the admissions process could be adapted in a way that levels the playing field whilst potentially benefiting the social and experiential mix of the institution as a whole.

"For example this could mean placing more equal value on the diverse range of personal qualities and experiences which different socio-economic groups bring to the table."

The report highlighted America's Ivy League universities, where personal statements listing experiences and achievements are avoided in favour of asking potential students how they could contribute to the diversity of the institution.

The commission said a combination of closing the school attainment gap, a greater focus on the context of admissions and extending collaboration between colleges and universities "would bring us significantly closer to achieving equality of access".

It also proposed a greater role for university summer schools and called for more work on the potential impact of student finance on wider access issues.

Commission chair Dame Ruth Silver said: "Our conclusion is that access is a sophisticated problem and that success will require a whole system effort.

"With that in mind, the commission's intention is to work closely with our partners in the education system to help us develop effective final recommendations."

The participation rate for students from the most deprived areas in Scotland was 42% in 2013/14, up from 35% in 2006/07.

Education Secretary Angela Constance said: "The Scottish Government has been very clear that we want every child, whatever their background, to have an equal chance of benefiting from higher education.

"We have seen good progress in recent years but have been clear that there is more to be done.

"That is why we have asked the commission to take forward this important work, alongside our focused efforts to deliver sustained improvements through early learning and in school attainment."

Vonnie Sandlan, president of NUS Scotland and a member of the commission, said: "We know that universities can't do it all on fair access, but they can do much more.

"This report is a recognition of the responsibility universities do have, both through their own initiatives but also by working in partnership with schools and colleges.

"I'm really encouraged that the commission has recognised the need to consider the financial support on offer, and how we make that the fairest and best it can be, as part of our work."

The commission's final report is due in spring next year.