In a country that already boasts the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe, people in the UK often joke about how having a child should be on the school syllabus.

Worry no more, folks - NOW you can get a GCSE in it.

Edexcel, the UK's biggest examination board, is to recognise teen parenting courses already coordinated by the National Community Learning Partnership.

There is no lower age limit, and some girls on the courses are under 12, where they can learn such useful things as stopping smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding, keeping a budget and voting rights.

Sheila King, from the NCLP, said, "Research has shown the young people who do our courses have healthier babies."

Bravo, Sheila, and a huge thanks from all us taxpayers.