EGGLESCLIFFE School was visited by a government education minister yesterday for the launch of a potentially controversial national students' reward card.

Minister for Young People and Learning Ivan Lewis promoted the first phase of the Connexions card, which is a national scheme to encourage 16-19-year-olds to stay in education.

The card enables youngsters who attend classes punctually to collect points for discounts at high street shops, fast-food restaurants and on public transport.

However, critics claim it is, in effect, a national identity card system in which private details can be monitored by the police, social services and benefit agencies. Parental consent is not required.

There are also fears that already hard-pressed teenagers will be more intensely targeted by business. Private firm Capita is running the scheme for the government and 350 retailers are involved in this region.

However, Mr Lewis was up-beat, saying: "The Connexions card is a key part of our post-16 education strategy. It is vital to encourage young people to continue in learning, so they make the most of their potential, achieve their ambitions, and we have a skilled workforce for today's economy

"We have to be creative in motivating young people to learn. They need support, advice and resources to make the most of opportunities out there. The Connexions card will help ensure that this happens."

He said research suggested two-thirds of 16-year-olds dropped out of education to earn money. However, 70pc claimed the card would encourage them to continue in further or higher education.

Egglescliffe School head teacher Angela Darnell said: "We are delighted to be onboard with this initiative. Young people have so many choices. It's crucial we recognise their needs and help them understand how education can be of enormous benefit to them in the future. I think the Connexions card will be extremely useful in encouraging them to think twice about their options."

Another 32 North-East schools have signed up to the scheme. In addition to obtaining discounts in shops, the card gives special offers for sports fixtures and pop concerts.

Cardholders also have access to a website with careers and CV advice.

However, critics point out that the cards feature the holder's name, date of birth and photograph, plus a magnetic swipe strip which could be used to control access to buildings.

Some 50,000 cards are being distributed to pilot schools in what the government describes as a voluntary scheme