Call to scrap school league tables

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Ministers included science results in the latest set of tables measuring the performance of secondary schools in England at GCSE but schools were marked down if pupils only study two out of the three sciences under the new rules, even if the courses were more difficult.

State school pupils have to study elements of biology, chemistry and physics - often in combined "double science" courses worth two GCSEs, or a smaller combined science course worth one GCSE but many independent schools encourage pupils to take three separate GCSEs in the individual sciences, which requires more detailed study.

Under the Government's rules, the results of private school pupils who take two separate science GCSEs - for example in chemistry and physics, but not biology - are not valid for inclusion in the league tables.

According to the Government, all three sciences must be studied in some way for results to count in the rankings.

The Independent Schools Council reacted angrily as dozens of private schools appeared near the bottom of the tables for science results.

ISC chief executive Jonathan Shephard said: "These flawed and misleading tables are a travesty of fair reporting.

"Children who gain two A* grades in separate science subjects are ranked below children who gain a single grade C in combined science."

"It is time for common sense to prevail and for these silly tables to be scrapped."

Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "We want all children to have a thorough grounding in all three sciences, to equip them for further study and life - that's why the new science indicator only applies to students who study all three and get two passes at C-grade or above."