MOST Mersey schools are failing their pupils by not teaching them essential science skills, an explosive study by the Tories claimed yesterday.

The students are being entered for a much-criticised single core science GCSE, instead of more testing separate exams in physics, chemistry or biology, the party warned.

The Conservatives claimed the single GCSE made it almost impossible to succeed in science at A-level and university denying pupils a fulfilling career in engineering or medical research.

Furthermore, the exam itself had been fiercely criticised by a watchdog for its superficial, often multiple choice, questions that failed to stretch the brightest students.

According to the Tories, only one Merseyside borough can boast a majority of state secondaries where some pupils are taught separate science GCSEs Wirral (64%)

In the others, less than half of schools offered stand-alone tests, in Liverpool (47%), St Helens (40%), Sefton (38%) and Knowsley (27%).

The proportion was also low in Halton (38%) and Lancashire (46%), but above halfway in Cheshire (56%) and Warrington (58%).

Nick Gibb, the Tory schools spokesman, said it was truly shocking so many pupils were missing out on the opportunity to sit separate science GCSEs.

He added: Without a good understanding of physics, chemistry or biology at the age of 16, it is almost impossible for pupils to get top marks in these subjects at A-level and progress to a science degree at a top university.