The National Careers Service is in need of modernisation to ensure that it delivers a programme fit for the 21st century, a leading education thinktank has said.

According to the Sutton Trust, the current service is limited in scope, as it only offers pupils at school telephone and web-based advice.

What is required is for the National Careers Service to expand its remit and to offer students face-to-face consultation.

This will help end a "postcode lottery" that is holding some youngsters back, the Sutton Trust stated.

Conor Ryan, director of research at the Sutton Trust, said that the "overall decline" in the quality of guidance is "harming social mobility".

He said that it is vital that young people receive advice that is focused and relevant, allowing them to then make the right decisions.

"Those without good networks and family contacts lose out when career guidance is poor," Mr Ryan continued.

"Less advantaged young people must know all their options, whether it is the right apprenticeship, college course or university.

"The government has asked schools to provide this advice, but they need the right professional support and expertise. Students often want to talk to knowledgeable people about their career options in person as well as online or over the phone."

The call for change comes on the back of the Sutton Trust launching a new report, entitled Advancing Ambitions.

Authored by Professor Tristram Hooley of the University of Derby, the study outlines how schools excelling in career guidance demonstrate improvements in GCSE results, attendance and access to leading universities.

"Some schools have maintained high-quality provision and have given high priority to preparing their students for the future, but many have not," Professor Hooley said.

"We need a much stronger National Careers Service to support schools and colleges in delivering for young people."