The number of secondary schools in England that are deemed to be underperforming has doubled to more than 300, according to new data published by the Department for Education.

One of the main reasons for this incredible rise is to do with changes made to exams and league tables.

In short, exams are said to be harder to pass, re-sits for some subjects are no longer available and some vocational qualifications are no longer taken into account when determining league positions.

According to the figures, 330 schools failed to get 40 per cent of their respective pupils achieving at least five good GCSEs (grades A* to C). Last year the number was 154.

Responding to this news, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said that an alternative system measuring school performance is needed, one that should be led by schools.

It added that the results should be taken with a pinch of salt because there is a marked difference in the way that data is measured.

"Performance tables should always be used with caution," commented ASCL's general secretary Brian Lightman.

"They help parents to ask informed questions but they don’t give the full picture. They highlight qualifications and aspects that the government considers important, but which may not be relevant in a school’s context.

"In addition, by only counting the first GCSE entry, for example, they may give a skewed picture of a school’s performance."

Also responding to news was Heath Monk, head of the Future Leaders’ Trust. She agreed with Mr Lightman, adding that the "constant tinkering" of this system is creating issues.

She concluded: "We are in danger of losing touch with what education is meant to achieve."