WHEN faced with the prospect of choosing a school for their child many parents spend hours studying the exam league tables.

Yet with many different variations available, it is not surprising that some parents are confused and no closer to drawing any firm conclusions about which school to choose.

Tim Keyes, headteacher at King’s School, recommends that school league tables should be considered alongside a range of other information.

“Having all of the information at your fingertips will help you make an informed decision,” said Mr Keyes.

“Exam league tables can be helpful but I would advise parents not to view them in isolation as they can be misleading.

“Some schools have a policy of entering their brightest pupils for four or even five A-levels in an endeavour to improve their position in the exam league tables.

“Universities only actually require three A-levels, so parents should question whether time spent studying for an additional A-level may be better spent on other worthwhile activities.

“School is about acquiring a broad range of skills and not just exam results.

“Exam league tables are only a statement of performance for one particular year group.

“I would advocate requesting a school’s average results over a period of time, ideally five years.

“Combining this information with a thorough review of the subjects the school offers, how many pupils sat exams in each subject and ultimately how the pupils have performed in these exams will highlight a school’s strengths and weaknesses in certain subject areas.

“The details of last summer’s exam results, subject by subject, should be on each school’s website.

“Exam league tables don’t take into account how well pupils are taught and supported to achieve their maximum potential.

“So it is worth taking a look at a school’s Ofsted report, or if you are considering an independent school, the school’s most recent ISI report.

“These reports are conducted by independent inspectors and take an objective view on whether children are meeting their academic potential.

“If a parent wishes to dig even deeper into a school’s ability to develop maximum potential,I would advise parents to visit the school and ask about the school’s ‘value added’ benefits – an indicator of pupils’ progress from the point at which they started the school.”