KIDDERMINSTER College criticised the way this year's performance figures were compiled after its average point score at A-level came out at 8.5

Mark Hewlett, head of lifelong learning at the college, said the tables presented a "distorted view of achievement".

He said: "We have calculated if these tables were produced in the same manner as last year our average points score per student would be closer to 14."

He said this year the tables included results from students on vocational National Diploma courses taking only one A-level as an extra who would be treated in the same way as students taking three or more A-levels on a full-time course, making it look as though they had achieved poor results.