SPECIAL schools in East Lancashire were today under fire after a report revealed none of them put a single pupil in for GCSE exams last year.

The Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education says it confirms fears they are not offering "appropriate educational experiences."

The 13 special schools in East Lancashire did not enter any of their 118 Year 11 pupils for exams in 1996.

The CSIE, which campaigns to include all pupils with disabilities or learning difficulties in mainstream schools, says special schools are not providing the educational boost they claim to do.

It says although exam success is not the only measure, it is a recognised step to further education and work which many pupils want.

A spokesman said: "A growing number of ordinary schools offer a wider educational and social experience, including examination entry, to increasing numbers of disabled pupils and, therefore, the chance to gain qualifications and tools with which to leave school or go on to further education."

But Mike Hatch, head of Crosshill School, Blackburn, said: "If any pupils are capable of achieving an exam they are entered. We did have some success with NVQ results last year and that was reflected in the league tables.

"Each child is looked at individually. We will always push our children to achieve, but if they are not capable they cannot be entered."

Nearly 70 per cent of all special schools in England failed to enter any candidates for GCSE's last year.

Special schools in East Lancashire included in the report are:

Bank Hey, Blackburn; Blackamoor, Blackburn; Broadfield, Oswaldtwistle; Calder View, Burnley; Crosshill, Blackburn; Dame Evelyn Fox, Blackburn; Gibfield, Colne; North Cliffe, Great Harwood; Primrose Hill, Burnley; Tor View, Haslingden; Townhouse, Nelson; Tullyallan, Darwen; White Ash, Oswaldtwistle.

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