Trade unions have criticised ministers for the delay in producing "useless" league tables following last year's A Level results fiasco.

The data, delayed after the marking crisis, reveals a marginal increase in performance across the board. The average point score for each exam entry was 73 points in 2001 and 76 points last year using a new assessment system.

Forum Response: ATL

Gerald Imison, joint acting general secretary for ATL, said: "We would want to join with others in congratulating all students on their successes and thank wholeheartedly the teachers who played a vital role. However it is still the case that tables are misunderstood and misrepresent what individual's have done, in relation to their own capabilities and that is where the success stories lie.

"ATL remains concerned about the post-16 curriculum and the over-assessment required which places unnecessary stress on the students and unnecessary burdens on the teachers.

"The government's self-congratulation should not mask the fact that educationally we may not always be serving our students to the best, even though statistics show standards are rising."

Forum Response: NUT

Doug McAvoy, NUT general secretary, said: "More and more, the government's target, testing and tables regime is being challenged. The ongoing review of examinations provides an opportunity to bring to an end this flawed and invalid system which misleads parents and the public and undervalues the work of students and teachers."