Britain tumbles 10 places in the world's most important school league table

In six years, UK teenagers have fallen from fourth to 14th in the three-yearly Programme for International Student Assessment science test (PISA).

More than 400,000 15-year-olds in 57 countries took the third round of tests in maths, science and literacy.

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The results are taken seriously by governments and will mean Gordon Brown coming under renewed fire over school standards.

When Britain came near the top of the 2001 tables, ministers hailed the results as a triumph for Labours education policies.

Angel Gurria, secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which sets the tests, said it was far more than just a league table.

She said: "PISA is much more than just a ranking, it is about how well individual education systems are equipping their young people for the world of tomorrow.

"First and foremost, it tells countries where their strengths and weaknesses lie."

The results of last year's PISA tests were due to be published on Tuesday but were partially leaked in Spain, forcing the release of the science table.

Finland retained its position as the top nation, while Hong Kong and Canada came second and third.

Britain, which came 11th in the 2003 test, was one place behind Germany, which has invested hugely in trying to turn round its results having done badly in the previous round.

It was also beaten by Australia and New Zealand.

The results will heighten concern that Britain is falling behind other developed nations in producing scientifically literate school leavers vital for the future of the economy.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families insisted the public should heed warnings from the OECD that the science test was different from the one taken in 2003, so comparisons could not be made with certainty.

Also, not enough English pupils were entered last time to create a statistically reliable sample.

A spokeswoman said: "We are pleased that the UK is identified as a high achiever in the OECD table and performs well above the international average."

The results come after the leading international league table for primary pupils showed England falling down the rankings.

The Progress in International Reading Study showed the country fell from third five years ago to 19th out of 45 countries and provinces this year for the reading abilities of 10-year-olds.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said children spent too much time playing computer games and urged parents to make sure their offspring read more at home.