Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie has criticised conventional schools, saying they are insufficient to cater to her children’s needs.

The actress and mother-of-six said she believes the modern education system has not caught up with the modern way of life, preferring to home-school her and Brad Pitt ’s brood.

In an interview with The Independent, Jolie, who turned 36 on Saturday, admitted she urges her children to “pick up a book” instead of finishing their schoolwork.

“I do think we live in a different age and the education system hasn’t caught up with our children and our way of life,” she said.

“But we travel and I’m the first person to say, ‘Get the schoolwork done as quickly as possible because let’s go out and explore’.

“I’d rather them go to a museum and learn to play guitar and read and pick a book they love.”

The power-couple’s hectic film schedules mean they often take children Maddox, nine; Pax, seven; Zahara, six; Shiloh, five and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne around the world with them.

Ms Jolie also revealed her anxiety about making sure her youngsters get a good education.

“I wish there was a book every parent could read that tells you how to navigate through the school system, and how to tailor the education for your children and their interests,” she said.

Ms Jolie and Mr Pitt enrolled their offspring in the Lycée programme, a French schooling system taught by nannies and specialist teachers.