The 2008 Office for National Statistics conception figures show the rate of under 16s falling pregnant decreased by 5.7 per cent between 2007 and 2008.
But the statistics also confirm that the government has missed its target, made in 1999, to halve teenage pregnancy rates by 2010.
The release of the figures coincided with the government's publication of its new teenage pregnancy strategy.
One-to-one sexual health and contraception consultations for 16 year-olds will be piloted as part of the government's the new action plan, Teenage Pregnancy Strategy: Beyond 2010.
Other plans detailed in the strategy include expanding school-based health services, improving sex and relationship education, and creating training materials to help the wider children's workforce support young people with questions and concerns.
Children's minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Sex and relationship education is being reformed and access to free contraception is now easier than ever. Young people and their parents tell us these were the right things to do but we know we need to go further which is why we are announcing pilots for one to one consultations for 16-year-olds and increased support for parents today."
Simon Blake, national director of charity Brook, said: "It is good news the teenage pregnancy rates have decreased and we now need to continue doing what we know works; improving access to sexual health services, good quality sex and relationships education in school and the community and supporting parents to talk to their children about relationships."
