TEENAGERS are being encouraged to take exams that will boost their school’s league table scores, rather than entering for the qualifications that are right for them, a report by teachers found today.

Seven in 10 (70%) Teach First teachers said their school’s leadership encouraged pupils to choose courses that will increase the school’s standing, according to the Lessons from the Front report.

The biannual policy study of the education system was written by, and based on, the views of over 500 Teach First teachers, both past and present.

Teach First is a charity which recruits top graduates and trains them to teach in challenging urban schools.

The study found that the current school accountability system is not fit for purpose, and is “detrimental to teaching and learning”.

It says: “The system focuses on schools getting the school results, rather than on helping pupils to achieve their potential.”

It claims annual league tables force schools to focus resources on a minority group of pupils that have the best chance of increasing their school’s position.

The report recommends an overhaul of the system.