THE exam results of two Enfield schools are among the top in the country, according to figures released yesterday.

Latymer School, a selective mixed school in Haselbury Road, Edmonton, was 31st best in the country for its A-level results and 51st best for its GCSE results.

Record GCSE results at Palmers Green High School, an independent school in Hoppers Road, helped it snare 97th place.

The A-level table, printed in the Times newspaper, was based on the average UCAS points scored per pupil. The GCSE results were based on the percentage of pupils who gained two A* to C grades in science.

All pupils at both schools gained at least five A* to C grades at GCSE.

Latymer headteacher Mark Garbett congratulated his students on their success, but admitted GCSEs were "probably easier" than O-levels were 20 years ago.

He blamed the slipping standards on modules, coursework and the competitive market among examination boards.

Mr Garbett said: "Coursework enables a lot of students to do very well before they get to an exam hall, which suits some students well.

"There is nothing wrong with being diligent, but it doesn't seem right when you can get a very good mark with a very low examination grade, such as 20 per cent.

"But the problems really started when the exam boards became commercial enterprises. You want everyone to sit your exam, so you don't want it to be difficult to pass.

"It would be much better to have one national exam board."