This article is more than 11 years old

This article is more than 11 years old

Two-thirds of teenagers do not believe science qualifications would help them to have rewarding careers.

A poll of 1,000 16- to 18-year-olds found that just over a quarter (28%) saw the sciences as relevant.

The study said that students were unaware of the range of career options – including in sectors such as fashion and sport – that studying sciences could open up for them.

Many young people have preconceived ideas about science subjects leading solely to laboratory jobs and wearing a white coat, it said.

The survey by the Science Council, which represents learned societies and professional institutions, warned that British pupils' negative view of science subjects was preventing huge numbers of them from having fulfilling and potentially lucrative careers.

Diana Garnham, the council's chief executive, said: "This research highlights the huge misperception about what studying the sciences can lead to.

"Scientists work everywhere in the economy making use of their science skills in industries such as finance, fashion, art and design, and sport.

"It's important we explain these options to students so they can make an informed choice about their career."

The science minister, Lord Paul Drayson, said: "I want to shake this image problem that science has.

"I'm sure teenagers would agree that Lewis Hamilton's formula one race engineers have an exciting life.

"We need to make them realise it's because of what they studied at school."

The findings come after the English funding council announced a revival in the number of students taking up science, maths and language subjects at A-level and university last month.

The research coincides with the launch of Future Morph - a new online resource for students, teachers and parents aimed at changing perceptions of the careers open to students with science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) qualifications.

The most likely reason students gave for avoiding a Stem subject was that they are "too difficult" (30%), they are "not interesting or enjoyable enough" (27%) and that they will "limit my career options" (23%).

Increasing the number of students studying Stem subjects and going into related careers is important for the UK economy, the council argued.