BRITAIN has one of the worst records in the developed world for the number of youngsters who stay on in education after they are 16.

A Government minister last week described the low number of teenagers continuing to study as "a national disgrace".

School standards minister David Miliband said the country's record in persuading pupils to stay at school was a cause for "shame", pointing out Britain's position in international league tables.

The UK comes 20th out of 24 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development for staying-on rates at 17. And the UK rates 22nd out of 24 for stay-on rates at 18.

"This is a national shame and it is a national disgrace that we still talk of people staying on after 16 rather than dropping out," he said.

Secondary education reforms, which the Government is due to announce next month, will aim to knock down the divide between vocational and academic qualifications.

One of the issues ministers are examining is offering a matriculation certificate to 19-year-olds which would highlight all their achievements at school, including their sporting endeavours.