 The new diplomas will offer the chance to learn more vocational skills |
A-levels should be phased out and replaced with a "British Baccalaureate" composed of academic and vocational elements, a think-tank has said. The Institute for Public Policy Research said this would greatly increase the number of 16 to 18-year-olds staying on in education.
It said one in four in this age group was not in education or training.
The Department for Education said its new specialised diplomas would offer a mix of academic and applied learning.
The IPPR said the UK lagged behind many EU countries when it came to those staying on in education or training post-16.
In Germany nine out of 10 of those aged 16 to 18 participate in education in some form.
Change
The IPPR argues that curriculum reform is the best way to change this and has recommended that A-levels be phased out after a review in 2008.
Its associate director, Richard Brooks, said: "Practically all young people in the UK should now be in education or training until they are 18 or 19 years old.
"Yet not only are too many still missing out but current policies don't seem to be increasing the numbers of those who stay on in learning until the end of their teenage years.
"The new 14-19 diplomas will not flourish alongside an unreformed system of A-levels and it is time for a more radical approach."
The IPPR also called for an end to creating new school sixth forms unless they could offer more options for the less academic.
'Here to stay'
It also said the funding gap between schools and colleges must be closed.
The Department for Education and Skills said this was in the process of happening - and that A-levels were "here to stay".
A spokesman said: "They are valued for the depth of study they require and the choice they offer students. We are piloting new ways of stretching students at A-level with tougher questions and an extended project.
"In addition, the new diplomas will offer young people real choice in what they study."
He added that the new specialised diplomas would offer students a "real alternative" and that the department was "confident that they will motivate more young people to stay on and succeed".
On sixth forms, he said that any school wishing to add a sixth form must take on a vocational specialism.
In Wales, more than 30 schools are piloting the Welsh Bac, which involves a core programme of study as well as existing academic and vocational qualifications. The core comprises Key Skills, learning about Wales, Europe and the World, work-related education and personal and social education.
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