Young 'denied single science study'

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Less than half (1,280 or 46%) of England's 2,809 comprehensive schools entered pupils in single science GCSEs, according to Government figures.

No pupils at all in two local authority areas - Islington and Slough - were entered for separate sciences last year - a situation described as "shocking" by shadow schools minister Nick Gibb.

He added: "Without a good understanding of physics, chemistry or biology at the age of 16, it is almost impossible for pupils to get top marks in these subjects at A-level and progress to a science degree at a top university.

"Youngsters in some of the poorest areas are being denied access to top careers in engineering and medical research."

In February, Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged to double by 2014 the number of pupils in state schools taking "triple science" from its current level of 8.5%.

The number of state schools offering separate sciences has risen from 22% in 2005 to 32%.