It gave the example of a school reducing the 65 days of careers guidance support from its local Connexions Service in 2011-12 to 16 days of bought-in support in 2012-13.

BBC: Most schools 'have reduced careers advice'

It warned that the National Careers Service, launched last year, offered guidance by website and phone, but did not provide young people with face-to-face advisers.

BBC: Teenagers' 'mismatched' job ambitions

"It also underlines the need for a nationally co-ordinated careers service which ensures that young people anywhere in the country are able to access face to face guidance by a qualified careers professional, " said Mr Lightman.

BBC: Teenagers' 'mismatched' job ambitions