About 75 pupils have so far benefited from the service

Pupils in Warwickshire who cannot get into school have been able to learn via the internet through a "virtual classroom" for the past two years.

Children are able to hear each other speak and can view the teacher's computer through their own terminals. The teacher can also view pupils' computers.

The system will now be demonstrated to education authorities all over the country.

'Virtual classroom'

About 75 pupils aged between 11 and 16 have so far benefited from the Education for Children Out of School (Ecos) service.

The work in Warwickshire has been developed in partnership with a private company, Nisai Education.

It has already signed agreements with 14 education authorities from around the UK who are interested in using the system and helping to develop it further.

This is cutting-edge work which has transformed the opportunities available to children David Teece Project coordinator

Under the scheme, a secondary-aged pupil receives one web-based lesson a week in English, Maths, Science and Technology, which they can download and complete when they feel well enough.

They also receive lessons in the "virtual classroom" through a system called LearnLinc, which allows children and teachers to interact online.

In addition, pupils receive fortnightly home visits as part of the scheme.

'Rapidly developing'

David Teece, the head of Ecos and coordinator of the programme, said it was a vital service.

"This is cutting-edge work, developed in Warwickshire, which has transformed the opportunities available to children who are being educated out of school - whatever the reason.

"The technology also has potential to boost learning opportunities for pupils in school, and it is rapidly developing.

"We have already had significant interest in our work both nationally, and internationally."

Education authorities will have the chance to take a closer look at the scheme at a conference at Coventry University's Techno Centre on 30 June.

There are other similar schemes, such as The Satellite School run by the National Association for the Education of Sick Children.