A HEADMASTER has accused exam bosses of skulduggery as the row over A-level results escalated.

Dr David Hempsall told parents and pupils at a prizegiving night at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn: "I expect it to lead to the exposure of a major scandal, namely the state of the public examination system which is a national disgrace."

Schools have accused the Government's exams watchdog, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, of colluding with exam boards to deliberately mark A-level pupils down.

Mr Hempsall said: "Our results were outstanding, but I say this against the background of the unfolding story of incompetence and skulduggery of the OCR (Oxford and Cambridge) examination board."

Enormous credit was due to students and staff for their hard work and professionalism in coping with the new exams regime, which included the introduction of AS-levels at 17, he added.

Dr Hempsall said: "The character of our school is changing.

"Last year, the governors decided we should open an early years department. In fairly rapid order, the school transformed itself into a co-educational school offering an all-through education for boys and girls from four to 18.

"These are profound changes which will equip the school better to meet the aspirations of parents and pupils of coming generations."

QEGS had also become increasingly outward looking in social service and work experience, and students had raised over £10,000 for needy causes, Dr Hempsall said.

Chief guest was QEGS old boy Richard Bowker, chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority.