EIGHTY per cent of Adver readers in our poll say A level and GCSE exams should stay.

We asked if you agreed with proposals to replace the current system with a four-level diploma.

And our poll results show the majority of readers disagree with Mike Tomlinson, former chief inspector of schools, who wants to do away with A levels and exams for 14 to 19-year-olds and phase in a new diploma over ten years.

They want to see a continuation of A levels and GCSEs.

The new system would be designed to cut down on coursework and exams and would provide greater opportunities for work related qualifications.

The proposals were given a mixed response by headteachers in Swindon. Some welcomed the them while others were more cautious.

Keith Defter of Commonweal School, said he was worried about the upheaval a change in the system would cause.

But in Prime Minister Tony Blair's response to Mr Tomlinson's report, he has said A level and GCSEs would not be scrapped only strengthened.