Too many pupils lack basic skills in science, maths and reading and too few pupils work at the highest levels in these subjects. (bbc.co.uk)
Schools - many of which are academies and outside the council's control - will be encouraged to correct the imbalance by taking fewer pupils from outside the county. (bbc.co.uk)
But it would also contact schools where unusually few pupils received extra help, in case there were candidates missing out. (bbc.co.uk)