SCHOOLS across the area have welcomed new examination results data which puts them all above the national average.

But the tables have been criticised for having a detrimental effect on schools' choice of subjects and failing to take into account the number of special needs students.

The tables show the combined achievements of 16 to 18-year-olds studying A levels, A/S levels in both general and vocational studies. They show the number of students entered for at least one examination, the average point score per student and the average point score per examination entry.

Anne Clarke, head teacher of Benton Park School, Rawdon, was pleased with the school results but added that the system failed to show the complete picture. She said that schools were dropping some subjects in favour of those which were guaranteed to give them good results.

"It is a pity that schools have to gear their direction to getting good places in the league tables and are gearing their curriculum to subjects that will maintain their place."

Mrs Clarke claimed languages had suffered as a result of schools modifying their curriculums.

"It is a shame that we are getting league table led curriculums," she said. And she added that the tables failed to take into account the number of students with special needs.

John Dean, acting head teacher at Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley, said: "We're very pleased in terms of our performance this year. The results were very good across the board and there was an improvement in last year.

"It reflects the fact that we have a group of students who performed well at GCSE and were able to sustain their performance to A level."

David Lowe, head teacher of Guiseley School, which this week learned it had been named a Most Improved School, said the results were very good.

"We are very pleased with our results. Everybody involved has put a lot of work into making sure that students did well. The most important thing we get from the information published today is the fact that students in all key stages have made good progress, and year on year this situation continues to improve."

Steve Jex, head teacher of Horsforth School, said: "We are delighted that our post 16 students have once again exceeded local and national norms in respect of their achievements."

Ilkley Grammar School achieved results well above the national and West Yorkshire averages. Only Roundhay and Menston St Mary's were ahead in the area's comprehensive schools. While head teacher Gillian James celebrated the school's standing, she also sounded a note of caution.

Mrs James said: "It's a great achievement for students and staff. All students work hard for what they achieve and many exceed their expected targets. Raw score tables are only one indicator of success and tell only a very partial picture. We are developing our Sixth Form to bring on board relevant courses to meet student need, and we intend to be inclusive as well as challenging our very brightest."

Mike Pyle, head teacher of high achieving Saint Mary's School, Menston, said: "We are delighted with the achievements of a very able year group who fulfilled their potential at the highest level.

"The results are excellent but so was the attitude of the students who gained the full respect of the teachers and gave a great deal to the school through voluntary commitments and full participation in school life."