Sue Stirling, director of IPPR North, based in Newcastle, said: "Teenagers in rural areas are facing a dilemma: should they stay or should they go? Having got their GCSE results, most teenagers think about re-sits or further study at a local FE college. But for many teenagers in rural areas, that is not an option unless they can stay over in the city and do residential courses."

But the government said there was "no reason" to think this would happen.

Brian Wilson, of the Commission for Rural Communities, said: "The economic and social sustainability of rural communities relies significantly on young people from those areas being able to pursue successful futures. Careers advice and training opportunities should be accessible to those living in rural areas and ought to be available to all those who would benefit, so that young people no longer feel that the only way to get on is to get out."

The IPPR is calling for more help where courses are not provided locally, such as increased residential support at colleges.

A Department for Education and Skills spokesman said: "There is no reason to think specialised diplomas won't be offered in rural schools and colleges.  Some of our best 14 to19 pathfinders have been in rural areas and they provide clear evidence that our 14 to 19 agenda can work in rural areas, offering a much better curriculum choice. "All young people, whether in urban or rural areas, will have a statutory entitlement to take up any one of the 14 diplomas at a school or college within reasonable travelling distance."