Cowell's advise to pupils branded as 'irresponsible and stupid'

Simon Cowell has been shunned for his recent claim that the secret to success is being rubbish at school.

Education Secretary Michael Gove branded him "irresponsible and stupid" after he told children not to bother with classes and just "get lucky" instead, the Mirror reported.

In response, Gove said that the rich and famous should encourage youngsters to work hard and get on not rely on luck and that his foolish remarks will just make it harder for teachers to motivate pupils.

The 'Syco' boss had commented that the key to making it in life was being in the right place at the right time, on US radio station z100.

The 'X Factor' judge had added that he did not work at school but applied himself after leaving and claimed that the secret was to be useless at school and then get lucky.