SCHOOL league tables were rejected as "ridiculous" by a head teacher who said they could misrepresent achievements.

Phillip Mahon, principal of Oakhill College, criticised the tables for failing to give parents the true qualities of a school.

And he declared at last night's annual prize-giving: "We refuse to be influenced by them."

Eleven of the school's 12 pupils who sat GCSEs passed five or more subjects at C and above.

Two other pupils did not sit their exams due to illness and two more are not in the same year group as they are 15-years-old.

This means that instead of a pass rate of 91.6 per cent, calculated from 11 out of 12 passing GCSE grades A to C, the league table will publish 66 per cent calculated from 11 out of 14.

Mr Mahon said the system was confusing and added: "Eleven of the 12 pupils passed five or more GCSEs grade A to C. That, of course, is the ridiculous measure set by the government's Department for Education and Skills as a "pass" grade.

"On the other hand, a D or E grade is still a pass. You must be as confused a I am.

"But unfortunately, it gets worse. They will publish the 66 per cent pass rate. It is not surprising that we do not believe in league tables."

The principal took the opportunity to hail students as the best year group ever to pass through the school. He gave special praise to the Educational Support unit and the endeavours of dyslexic pupil Emily Walmsley for passing eight subjects with an A in Business Studies.

Speakers also revealed the heartache that has gone into building a new school building in just eight months.

Oakhill College in Whalley now boasts a separate building for its preparatory school. Construction of the new building began in December 2002 and was complete in time for this academic year - ready for an increase of 31 pupils on the previous year's 225.

He said: "The phrase 'there is no gain without pain' readily springs to mind as the picturesque Oakhill grounds were turned into a busy and not too beautiful building site.

"But despite temporary teaching areas and overcrowding, staff refused to let standards drop and somehow managed to keep those important smiles on faces.

"I have been genuinely moved by all the good wishes and positive comments as to how it would all be worthwhile in the end."

Chair of governors Anthony Baron said the development had stretched his every emotion, even terror.

He also paid tribute to Father Paul Dillon, who will soon retire, and called on students parents and staff to Share the Dream of Oakhill.