"The principles of these programmes can be extended, " says Mike Tomlinson

"Specially tailored programmes which include learning in the workplace can play an important role in boosting their skills and confidence.

"This report finds a good deal to praise in the progress made in these kinds of programmes thus far."

Ofsted's support for work-related schemes comes at a time when there are calls for a shake-up of the curriculum for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The government's green paper suggests the curriculum should be broadened.

And from September next year, pupils will be able to take a range of vocational GCSEs.

Mr Tomlinson said: "There is plainly much scope for increasing the work-related opportunities on offer in schools, not least to provide a strong foundation for modern apprenticeships.

Under the scheme, 14 to 16-year-olds can drop GCSE courses like modern languages, science and technology to spend between one and two days in a work-place, the voluntary sector or a training organisation.

Exam grades

Ofsted inspectors, who looked at 60 schools in England, found that in a third of cases, pupils went on to achieve better GSCE results than had been predicted.

Six out of 10 pupils on the scheme continued in full-time education or took up work with training after 16.

The inspectors say involvement in the schemes improved pupils' listening and speaking skills, although their reading, writing and numerical skills often remained weak.

They also say half of the children improved their attendance record on the previous year.

Children who are chosen for the programmes are typically low-achievers in their early years of secondary school.

Specially tailored programmes which include learning in the workplace can play an important role in boosting their skills and confidence

Mike Tomlinson, Chief Inspector of Schools in England

Boys outnumber girls two to one and the pupils usually have poor attendance records.

The report noted big differences in the quality of the schemes being run and called for a national framework for an extended work-related curriculum for children at key stage four (14 to 16-year-olds) to make standards more consistent.

And the authors called for more money to be allocated to schools for the schemes, which cost �1,000 per pupil to manage.

Average spending on a child in secondary education is about �2,300 a year.

Stephen Timms, the minister for school standards, welcomed Ofsted's findings.

And he said: "Work is in hand on national guidance for work-related learning at key stage four to spread good practice, and to ensure young people are better prepared for the world of work."