The report called for a lighter assessment load

Members of Holyrood's education committee spent a year investigating what turns children off school.

The committee urged the Scottish Executive to "emphasise relentlessly" the importance of education for all.

They also called for earlier work to identify youngsters likely to become disillusioned with formal education.

The MSPs heard evidence that secondary school pupils' activities were often dominated by course assessments which restricted teachers' ability to employ a range of learning styles best suited to individuals.

Work experience

They called for "practical steps" to be taken to lighten the assessment and examination load on pupils and teachers.

The executive was also urged to explore further ways of enhancing the status and value of vocational school education and work experience opportunities.

All teachers, not just school heads, should be helped to develop leadership skills beyond education, the report added.

MSPs urged the executive to explore ways of providing career breaks, secondments and exchanges to supplement skills and experience.

This apparent polarisation, with the pupil population being divided into improving and static groups is clearly a cause for concern Education committee report

The recommendations were the result of a year-long inquiry into pupil motivation.

Education Minister Peter Peacock told the committee last June that Scotland had a "generally positive education system" where most pupils were reasonably well motivated.

However, he conceded that there was "a clear problem" among the 20% lowest attaining youngsters.

Committee convener Iain Smith said MSPs recognised the "range of work" being undertaken by the executive but were keen efforts continued to help those achieving least from formal education.

The committee's report stated: "This apparent polarisation, with the pupil population being divided into improving and static groups, is clearly a cause for concern."