EDUCATION Secretary Michael Gove wants to change the examinations system (Echo, June 22), but examinations should not be in the form that enables the Government to use the results to create league tables that do not reflect the true abilities of young people.

Some years ago when the system was last reformed, teachers on subject committees had the task of setting the structure of the new examinations.

The chairs of some committees did not pass on the instructions issued by the Government but had the committees produce forms of assessment that met the needs of students. A strong case to allow these assessments was made to government and they were allowed for one cycle.

Despite strong evidence to the contrary, the government said they had failed and banned them.

A few teachers got round this by having students build on their knowledge for four terms and learning to pass their A-levels levels in term five. Parents and employers recognised their achievements and the staying on rates improved significantly.

The real involvement of teachers in assessment organisations needs to be reintroduced to help create a system that gives a true picture of education overall.

We need to be fair to our pupils in our assessment procedures.

Bill Morehead, Darlington.