Top independent schools reject idea of 'baccalaureate'

Britain's leading independent schools rejected the idea of a baccalaureate-style diploma for sixth-formers yesterday, saying that they opposed the idea of compulsory studies for pupils after GCSEs.

Members of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) warned they would try to derail proposals by Mike Tomlinson - the former chief schools inspector heading a government inquiry into education reforms for pupils aged 14 to 19 - to introduce a new diploma to replace the existing GCSE and A-level system.

Under his plan, there would be compulsory studies in English, maths and technology for those who failed to gain a GCSE qualification. Students would also have to write a compulsory essay or dissertation to give evidence of their thinking skills.

The HMC, meeting in Dublin, said it opposed "any prescription post-16'' and wanted to retain flexibility for subject options. "There was genuine concern this would be compromised by any diploma system,'' said Graham Able, chairman of the HMC and master of Dulwich College in south-east London.

But the heads made it clear that they had no intention of opting out of the exams system. "There is general agreement that we want to work within the national system," said Mr Able.

Their comments could undermine government plans to reform exams. David Miliband, the School Standards minister, is an advocate of the baccalaureate-style system - although officially, the Government has not yet given its view on the exams.

The HMC's decision to reject the system is an indication that enthusiasm for exam reform is waning.

Ken Boston, the chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the Government's exams watchdog, warned last month that if the AS and A-level system bedded down without further disruption over the next few years, there was a danger that the impetus for reform would evaporate.

He said that would seriously affect Britain's chances of educating a world-class workforce capable of competing in the global economy.

Mr Able said heads also wanted coursework dropped from GCSE and A-level exams and replaced by teacher assessment - a move which could find favour with Mr Tomlinson's committee.

On Monday, Mr Able complained that coursework was being abused by pupils who took it home and copied information from the internet