Simon Cowell has revealed he wants his son to leave school to work with him in the music industry at age 10, and thinks homework should be banned.
Speaking about his son Eric, five, the Britain's Got Talent judge said: "Listen if I can get him out at 10 to come and work for me then I would.
"I was better off out of school than I was in."
In the interview with NBC yesterday, he added: "But I didn't have that major stress about homework, because I would just throw it away.
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"A healthy, happy kid is more important than an over-educated, stressed kid."
As for his own education, the 59-year-old studied at Radlett Preparatory School and Dover College, but left after passing GCE O Levels in English Language and English Literature. He later attended Windsor Technical College where he gained another GCE in Sociology.
When asked what he thinks about the UK education system, Simon said: "I saw a documentary recently where apparently the most academic kids in the world now are from Finland.
"The reason is they stopped homework and the education minister said there is way too much stress on kids.
"They have to be kids, they have to enjoy themselves and enjoy school.
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"I see kids today (who have) too much pressure on them to over-achieve.
"Everyone is taught they have got to achieve everything immediately or you are going to be a failure.
"I disagree with that and if you are like me - not academically smart - but you want to work hard, I believed in the apprenticeship way of working.
"So I would never put Eric under that pressure.
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"I always wish I had kept my school reports as they were hilariously bad and I used to change them before I gave them to my mum to read."
The pretty controversial comments aren't the first Simon's had on education. Speaking to BBC Radio 2, he said he'd actively encourage his son to leave school at 16, as he did.
"Leave at 16 if you want to work, 100 per cent I would encourage him," he said. "I don't understand why you would want to torture someone to be somewhere they don't want to be but actually want to go out into the real world and make a living."
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Some have pointed out the privileged undertones of Cowell's comments, as unlike most children, Eric will surely be guaranteed a job at his father's music company, Syco, if he were to leave education.
In response to his comments, Chair of the Education Committee, Robert Halfon MP, told The Sun: "It's really important that someone like him sets a good example. Many children from lower incomes and disadvantaged backgrounds depend on school."
He added: "The school is the place that gives them some comfort, support, friendships and, even meals. Not everyone can be like Simon Cowell."
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