Teenagers who struggle with academic work are to receive new awards designed to improve their self-esteem.

Estelle Morris, the education secretary, has said the award will be presented in the form of leaving certificates at graduation-style ceremonies in schools.

The aim is to help encourage teenagers to stay on at school beyond 16 and reflect their achievements after the age of 14.

Ms Morris believes that not enough recognition is given to vocational qualifications.

"The fact is a lot of youngsters are not yet valued for non-academic work which they find stimulating and valuable.

"Too many young people are turned off education because of the low esteem attached to non-academic routes.

"The new award would help end the culture of leaving education for good at 16."

Ms Morris said too many youngsters believed there was a cut-off point at the age of 16 between school and the world of work.

She hopes the new award will improve motivation and keep them in learning for longer and lead to increased participation in education or training after the age of 16.

"It makes sense to have accreditation - perhaps a graduation certificate - which recognises a package of achievement between 14 and 19."

The new award could include a requirement to make a contribution to the community through voluntary work.

Ms Morris will flesh out details of the idea at the annual conference in London today of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

She will point out that the government is investing £38 million on 40,000 work placements for 14 to 16-year-olds and was keen to expand work based training through the modern apprentices.

The new award could be made up of vocational and academic achievements.

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Updated: 11.05 Tuesday, June 26