A headteacher today demanded urgent reform of the exams system because constant tests for pupils throughout their schooling was a "burden too far".

Andrew Baker, of Westcliff High School for Boys, claims students do not have time to concentrate on subjects at higher levels because they are constantly confronted with exams.

He backed calls for controversial AS levels for 17 year olds to be scrapped, even though pupils and teachers had worked hard to cope with the additional exams.

Mr Baker said: "It is wrong for students to be examined at 14, 16, 17 and 18. It is a burden too far and the Government has gone too far on the structure of examinations."

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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