‘Naughty’ Professor Green raps London schools system

Rapper Professor Green warned today that the schools system was letting down London's youngsters, and called for more to be done to help them escape gang culture.

The 26-year-old, raised by his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother in a Hackney council flat, said he did "naughty things" before turning his life around.

He called for schools to focus more on non-academic learning: "I could have excelled, but I wasn't smart enough. Helping these kids is about spending time with them, showing them there is more out there. The school system isn't up to that.

"Not everyone is academic. That's how people get left behind. There should be more practical skills on offer."

The rapper, real name is Stephen Manderson, hit No 2 with his album Alive Till I'm Dead. He said he was "very lucky" to be alive after being stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle last year.

He will headline the Turning Point Festival at the Roundhouse in Camden, organised by Londoners aged 25 and under from September 17-19. Visit www.myspace.com/turningpointfestival