The National Council for Educational Excellence (NCEE) report was commissioned by the Prime Minister to investigate how to create a "world-class" education system.

The NCEE's report said partnerships between schools and businesses could contribute to core skills in literacy and numeracy, increase take-up in science and maths and provide enterprise education and employability advice.

In addition, the report said primary schools should be encouraged to take pupils on visits to universities to inspire children to pursue further and higher education later in life.

Steve Smith, leader of the NCEE's higher education strand and vice chancellor of Exeter University, said: "If we are serious about wanting to support more young people to progress to higher education we need to raise attainment and aspirations from a much earlier age."

The government said it fully accepts the NCEE's recommendations and will discuss how to implement its ideas later this year. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "We must now work together to make sure they are fully implemented so that the benefits are felt by all."