The Campaign for Real Education (CRE) has argued that schools are focusing their attention on league tables more than pupil achievement.

According to the body, there are currently "huge questions" about how the current exam system is working.

"There seem to be too many different subjects on offer including a lot of what you might call 'soft subjects'," the group said.

Nick Seaton, chairman of the CRE, explains that these 'soft subjects' were being pushed by schools because they "show up better in league tables".

"I'm sure most employers would rather see a certificate with a harder traditional subject and certainly these 'soft subjects' aren't going to help youngsters who apply to university," he added.

A report by the think tank Civitas says that schools are advising pupils to take vocational courses such as how to serve drinks in hospitality BTec Firsts, rather than traditional GCSE subjects, in order to boost their place in the league tables.

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