A HIGH school head has criticised Government proposals to allow schools to select some of their students based on ability.

David Farrant told the audience at the annual prize-giving ceremony at Walton High School, Nelson: "I believe that schools should be in the business of creating winners, not picking them."

He added: "If the proposed legislation is enacted and if any school in this area changed its admissions criteria and began selecting students, this would have an impact on the character of the other schools. Remember, selection of some means rejection of others.

"Such a development would undermine the principle of comprehensive education and would lead to an even more divided society."

Mr Farrant applauded the efforts of students at the school, particularly those who took their GCSE exams in the summer.

More than one in three (34.3 per cent) of those taking part achieved five or more grade A*-C passes and the total number of passes at the grades was up to 47 per cent of all entries. Last year 72 per cent of the students leaving the school started on a full-time course in a college or sixth form and a further 15 per cent embarked on youth training. Figures for this year's leavers were not available.

Referring to over-crowding problems at at least one other local high school, Mr Farrant said Walton did not plan to take on more than its full compliment of 800 students.

"Unlike some schools it is not our intention to embark on a scheme of expansion of student numbers," he said.

"Our commitment to quality is greater than any perceived gains accruing from an increase in the student population.

"Nevertheless as we move towards our full admission number of 800 we shall reap the benefits of a more secure financial base.

"This will improve the level of funding needed to resource more adequately the established programmes of study."

Demand for places at last night's ceremony was so high that a video link was set up to the school gym for those who could not get places in the hall.

The special guest was Alan Evans, a former chairman of governors for ten years.

The school is due to undergo an Ofsted inspection in February.

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