Headteachers have given an indifferent reception to the publication this week of school 'league tables'.

The Chase, Malvern, had the best A'Level results of any state school in the county but recorded a four per cent drop in GCSE passes at grades A*-C.

Headteacher Dave Fawbert said the method of comparing yearly results was a deeply flawed method of measuring progress.

"You cannot make comparisons between years because each year is different," he said.

"Here at The Chase we compare pupils' results with the targets we set for them after we have assessed their potential, and the school met its targets this year.

"We're delighted at having the top A'Level results for the county's state schools but we compare pupils' progress against their potential, rather than comparing our results against the school next door."

His comments were echoed by Gerry Hume, deputy headteacher at Hanley Castle, where GCSE passes at grades A*-C jumped by eight per cent to 60 per cent.

"I don't think the league tables give any useful information because the cohorts of pupils change every year," he said.

"We're always very pleased with our results because usually we do well for the pupils and the pupils do well for us.

"But next year we could end up with 55 per cent of pupils having good GCSE passes and it doesn't mean the school is performing any worse."

Dyson Perrins School recorded a drop in GCSE passes at grades A*-C. Headteacher Peter Buchanan said he looked forward to the day when league tables were judged on individuals' progress rather than the present system.

The percentage of pupils achieving GCSE passes at grades A*-C at Malvern Girls' College dropped by three per cent, while at Malvern College it rose by the same amount. St James' School also recorded a two per cent fall in the same category.