They are also the most likely to believe that their efforts at school are being recognised and rewarded. But they were also twice as likely to say they had been bullied at school.

Researchers from Birmingham University asked 1,820 pupils in five countries to discuss their experiences of justice and injustice. Their findings were presented today at the British Educational Research Conference, London.

The study found that 81 per cent of English pupils said they were treated with respect by their teachers, compared with around three-quarters of pupils in other countries.

Almost two-thirds of pupils felt recognition for schoolwork should be given for effort, not ability. More pupils in England felt they were judged in this way than in any other country.

Professor Stephen Gorard, who led the research, said: “We still have a largely comprehensive system in England. Schools have adjusted to having a wide variety of children.”

On the complaints about bullying, he added: “In the most liberal regimes people tend to complain more.”