A new survey, conducted by vocational training providers City & Guilds, has revealed the indifference of GCSE pupils towards their maths lessons.

Indeed, the new report shows that teenagers perceive maths lessons to be difficult, tedious and to a large degree, irrelevant to their own lives.

A number of the pupils surveyed have, in fact, actually called for reforms to ensure that what they were being taught holds some relevancy to their lives.

Chris Jones of City & Guilds agreed with this assertion, saying: "We are not saying maths should be dumbed down, but it needs to be more relevant to the real world."

Some 54 per cent of those surveyed expressed their will to see maths lessons geared more towards real life scenarios.

"Our research shows young people are keen to learn maths and recognise the importance of the subject, but there needs to be more emphasis on the practical application of maths in schools to ensure young people have the skills employers need," Mr Jones added.

Capita Education Services, leaders in teacher recruitment and education jobs.