London: Superstar couple David and Victoria Beckham are top role models for schoolchildren in Britain, says a new study.

More than half the students wanted to be like football star Beckham, and almost a third wanted to grow up to be like his wife Victoria, thesun.co.uk reports.

Other idols included actress Keira Knightley and Paris Hilton, according to the study conducted by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

Though Beckham was a good role model, many teachers felt there were other stars that were a negative influence on the kids.

Said Jillie Gilligan, a teacher: "I've seen disturbingly age-inappropriate acts by young girls."

"Celebrities can raise ambitions, but we're concerned pupils believe celebrity status is available to everyone," said Mary Bousted, head of the association.

The shadow school minister Nick Gibb said: "It tells you something about our schools when Paris Hilton is a role model but not J.K. Rowling or Stephen Hawking."