Head teachers have today warned that pupils are being overwhelmed by exams.

A number of speakers at the annual meeting of the National Association of Head Teachers claimed that the AS-level and A-level exams means that the sixth form has become a two year "cramming session."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Alison Johnston, senior professional officer at the Professional Association of Teachers, told ePolitix.com: "Our pupils are being tested too much and too often. Fewer and later exams and more continuous assessment would give a more accurate reflection of students' abilities.

"In 2000, PAT carried out a survey of 11 to 18 year olds which revealed that many young people suffer stress and even illness as a result of examination pressures. This is hardly surprising. PAT calculated at the time of the survey that, between school entry and A levels, some pupils endured at least 75 external assessments, tests and examinations. With AS levels, this figure is now calculated at 105."Our perception is that many teenagers are being turned off learning. The education and political systems, in a laudable desire to raise standards, appear to value exam results above all else and to the exclusion of all else. Exams are necessary, but they have become too dominant. They increasingly restrict teaching time, cost a great deal of money and cause an enormous and inexcusable amount of stress for many of our children. Until we start valuing again the whole, rounded experience of education, these pressures will continue.

"PAT is currently conducting a survey of year six pupils and their teachers to establish their attitudes to Key Stage Two SATs."