EDUCATION leaders have championed the benefits of vocational courses after it was revealed the majority of pupils in Bolton are leaving school without GCSE passes in maths and English.

The latest secondary school league tables, published yesterday, showed that GCSE results in the town are among the worst in the country, with only 41 per cent of pupils making the grade in the two key subjects.

But education experts argued that more practical courses, such as construction, leisure and tourism and health and beauty, suit some children better.

Peter Marsh, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: "Universities are aware of the fact that there are many factors involved in children's education, besides exam results.

"We also understand that secondary schools have a very challenging task in dealing with the education of young people.

"Naturally we would want to see improving standards of literacy and numeracy in our entrants. The key to this is the reform of the curriculum at 14 to 19, which the Government has initiated.

"This will see more pupils being able to choose high quality vocational routes alongside academic education."

Following the Government's lead, the University of Bolton is now working with education officials at Bolton Council on major proposals for changes to the curriculum for pupils aged 14 to 19.

Mr Marsh said that the university is also working with schools, colleges and Connexions on the introduction of new specialised vocational diplomas.

The University of Bolton already offers foundation and applied honours degree courses alongside its more conventional qualifications.

These courses are designed for students who have taken vocational, rather than academic, subjects to ease their transition into higher education.

"It is often a question of improving a person's motivation by making sure they enjoy learning and find it relevant to their needs and interests," said Mr Marsh.

"This is what the Government's proposals are targeting. Bolton is more advanced than most towns in developing this collaborative approach to improving educational opportunity and standards."

A number of secondary schools in the Bolton area now offer vocational courses.

John Baumber, executive principal of Rivington and Blackrod - which includes vocational courses on its curriculum - does not believe they are a soft option.

He said: "New diplomas in these areas, which are to be piloted, are very demanding and academic.

"Pupils taking these diplomas can go on to become architects and move on to higher education."

Pupils at Rivington and Blackrod, studying construction at the school's Power Wave Centre, certainly seem to be enjoying the course.

Andrew Haworth, in Year 10, said: "The skills that we learn aren't easy, but they are very useful and will help me to move into employment."

Stephen Edwards, another year 10, has a similar plan.

He said: "I am learning bricklaying and joinery, which I am enjoying. I will be looking to go onto college when I leave, to develop my skills further."