Barnardo's report highlights teen mums' struggle to get back into education

Called Not the End of the Story, the report surveyed teenage mothers and found that many felt they had been unofficially excluded from school by having a child at a young age.

This left many abandoning career aspirations and resigning themselves to a low-income lifestyle.

Some of those surveyed say schools encouraged them to leave "on spurious health and safety grounds", despite never formally excluding them.

Lack of childcare and support in accessing benefits were other barriers highlighted.  

Dr Jane Evans, Barnardo's research and policy officer and report author, said: "The 20,000 girls and young women under 18 who become mothers each year include some of the most vulnerable and isolated in society.

"If they drop out of education or training it will impact not just on their own future prospects, but on the life chances of their child."

The report calls for a thorough check of teenage mothers' housing, childcare and education needs from when they are pregnant.

Also, all schools should provide on-site or nearby childcare for teenage mothers returning to schools.