Studying out of school is becoming more appealing to young people, claims research.

A survey from the Department for Education and Skills shows that teenagers are becoming more open to learning outside the formal school day.

And to support out-of-school learning the government is promising an extra �75m a year, until 2006.

According to the education department, 51% of 11 to 16 year olds say they like learning outside school - an increase from 46% last year.

By 2006, the government wants all secondary schools to provide out-of-school clubs, either in the form of breakfast clubs, summer schools or homework clubs.

These extra learning opportunities have been claimed as having a significant role in helping to raise achievement.

Scoring goals

These include learning centres attached to football clubs - with the glamour of the sport intended to help motivate pupils.

Breakfast clubs are intended to provide a safe place for pupils to eat and to study before the school day begins.

As well helping academically, they are intended to tackle the link between poor diet and underachievement at school.

Summer schools have been used to help pupils who are falling behind with lessons to catch up before they transfer to secondary school.

The additional funding announced by Education Secretary Charles Clarke will be targeted at raising standards among 11 to 14 year olds, an age band which has been highlighted as needing improvement.

"These figures show that young people enjoy learning, even out of school. And out of school learning helps them to do better in school.

"That's why I'm determined to invest more money in providing top quality study support facilities," said Mr Clarke.