A mother and daughter frustrated by the secondary education system have founded a career website for school-leavers as national youth unemployment figures soar above a million.

Sarah Wrixon and her daughter Hattie, 17, from Streatham, created the site, Uni’s Not For Me, as part of their campaign to change the Government’s approach towards A-levels.

They believe ministers should consult employers about the school exam system after research carried out by YouGov found only 10 per cent of adults think A-levels prepare teenagers for the world of work.

Last month the Department for Education conceded the exams "fell short" of expectations, adding it would like to see universities getting more involved in the design and development of school exams.

Mrs Wrixon said: “Today’s [youth] employment figures are alarming and show just how difficult it’s becoming for young people to find work.

“There may be fewer jobs available to them, but I don’t think the current education system is helping.”

The site, that offers employment advice for 15-18-year-olds, calls for more vocational training, an end to league tables that measure according to exam results, and an exam system that uses practical skills.

It also urges young people to think twice about going to university following the Government’s decision to triple undergraduate fees to £9,000 a year.

Mrs Wrixon said: “Just because you don’t want to go to university doesn’t mean you don’t benefit from being around your more academic peers and sharing a stimulating working environment.

“This is about having an alternative ambition, not lack of ambition.”

Her daughter Hattie, who is studying business at college, said: “Once I had decided [university] wasn’t the option for me my A-level courses became irrelevant.

“I felt it was wiser to leave school and study for a professional diploma. I’m excited at the prospect of developing a new venture.”

For more information visit www.unisnotforme.com.