Military training for unruly pupils

It is hoped the scheme will cut youth crime and truancy

Disruptive teenagers who are on the verge of being expelled from school are to be taught practical life skills by former military instructors.

Funded by the Treasury, the "skill force" pilot scheme is based on a scheme run in the United States, which has been shown to cut youth crime and truancy rates.

Schools are likely to find them a useful addition to the range of work-related schemes they can offer pupils from the age of 14

Schools minister, Jacqui Smith

Initial trials were carried out in Newcastle and Norfolk, but the scheme will now be expanded in Manchester, Merseyside, Leicester, Bristol, the West Midlands and London.

Ex-forces trainers will be hired at a total cost of £600,000 to work with 15 and 16 year olds.

The Ministry of Defence, which is organising the project alongside the Department for Education, said young pupils were not being subjected to a harsh "boot camp" regime.

'Range of skills'

Military instructors were in a position to teach young people a wide range of skills, from first aid to car mechanics, a spokeswoman said.

They would work alongside teachers and parents to devise programmes suited both to boys and girls.

The aim was to develop the potential of youngsters who were not likely to leave school with five or six good GCSEs, but who could benefit from such training, she said.

The Schools Minister, Jacqui Smith, said she was glad the armed forces were looking for ways to help young people get ready for the world of work.

"Schools are likely to find them a useful addition to the range of work-related schemes they can offer pupils from the age of 14," the minister said.