Fame culture 'harming UK students'

British students are too obsessed with celebrity culture, Reuters reports.

A survey from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) found that many pupils are more concerned about being famous than attaining academic success.

According to the survey, two-thirds of teachers said sports stars were the type of celebrity students admired most while more than half wanted to be popstars.

Nearly half of the 300 teachers polled claimed students modelled themselves after celebrities, with many saying that girls dressed in an "unsuitable" or provocative style.

Mary Bousted, ATL's general secretary said in a statement: "Celebrities can have a positive effect on pupils. They can raise pupils' aspirations and ambitions for the future.

"However... celebrity culture can perpetuate the notion that celebrity status is the greatest achievement and reinforces the belief that other career options are not valuable."

David and Victoria Beckham topped the poll to find the most inspirational celebrities.

Other celebrities featured in the survey include footballer Frank Lampard, actress Keira Knightley, current Doctor Who David Tennant, socialite Paris Hilton and X Factor winner Leona Lewis.