SECONDARY schools are failing one in four children, a report said today.

A quarter of parents are calling for an overhaul to the system, according to independent education foundation Edge.

The situation gets worse with age as 40% of 15 to 16-year-olds are failing to flourish at school.

Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, said: “Every child should thrive at school and have their individual talents recognised but as this research shows, parents recognise that is not happening.

“The education system has changed and some schools are doing great things, but it hasn’t changed fast enough and as a result is still failing many children.”

Children’s happiness at school was also questioned by the report.

A quarter of parents admit that they worry their child is not happy. A further 23% said their offspring had not been content since starting secondary school.

Nearly half of the 1,028 people interviewed claimed they would like to see more practical learning, with 42% saying only academically-minded children excelled.

Mr Powell said: “We need to move away from the one-size-fits-all system to one that is more inclusive of practical and vocational learning, with young people given the chance to develop their own talents through real world experience.”

“We have already identified the Six Steps to Change we believe are needed to create the best education system for our children and to provide the many paths to success they deserve.

“To ensure the need for these changes is recognised, we are inviting everyone to ’join the revolution’ and to have their say on education by adding their voice to the movement at www.edge.co.uk/revolution.”

Schools were also criticised for not preparing pupils for the challenging recruitment climate.

Forty-three per cent of parents showed concern that their child is not ready for the working world.

One per cent less thought their offspring were not prepared for life in general.

Nearly half have called for a revolution in education.

Psychologist Donna Dawson compiled a list of signs to help parents identify whether their child was happy at school.

Having late nights out with friends, constantly visiting social networking sites and venting frustration at family members are just some of the traits that could indicate unhappiness.

Parents are urged to always provide support, encouragement and practical help to their child as well as highlighting the importance of education.