THE headmaster of one of the North-East's leading schools has condemned Government education proposals as "a national disgrace".

David Dunn, of Yarm School, near Stockton, spoke out strongly against the Government's Green Paper during the lower school's speech day ceremony yesterday.

He said: "I have to say it is difficult to discern an educational vision or philosophy underpinning the proposals.

"Rather, it is shaped by a predominating utilitarianism, the apparent goal being to equip individuals to serve the immediate economic needs of the country, rather than develop them as human beings.

"Flexibility and the aim of raising standards are to be welcomed, but a curricular provision which neglects an understanding of the civilisation on which our national heritage is founded, which marginalises the arts, literature and music, and makes the study of individual sciences increasingly rare is regrettably deficient in educational values."

Mr Dunn particularly criticised the fact that pupils will be allowed to drop foreign languages at 14, describing it as "a national scandal".

He said that the examination system "is in meltdown".

Mr Dunn predicted further problems, such as those experienced at Yarm School recently when an AS-level maths paper included a question which could not be answered.

Mr Dunn hit out at the sheer volume of examinations and the shortage of experienced and qualified examiners.

He went on to highlight an outstanding year for the school, with a glowing list of academic and sporting achievements.

"We work as a team and the entire school community should celebrate together a year of outstanding success," he said.

The guest of honour was Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, who presented the prizes.