A FAR-REACHING overhaul of the exams system has been recommended following an inquiry into the fiasco surrounding A-level results.

And today the proposals were welcomed in East Lancashire as the struggle to restore confidence in the system goes on.

The former Ofsted chief Mike Tomlinson announced a variety of steps to avoid this summer's crisis which caused the exam system to collapse under the burden of millions of scripts.

In East Lancashire, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School sent back the A-level coursework papers of 21 former students, while Stonyhurst College, near Clitheroe, returned 20 papers and Westholme School, Blackburn, six.

Dr David Hempsall, headteacher at QEGS, said today: "This has been a thorough enquiry and has dealt with the main issues.

"It is quite clear he regards the crisis as fundamental and has addressed all the concerns.

"The main thing is to restore confidence in the curriculum for next year."

Under reforms, the traditional two-year A-level will make a comeback.

At present students need to take both AS-level and A2 exams -- it is impossible to take the A2 exam on its own.

But a package of measures aimed at simplifying the system was presented.

It included splitting up the new AS-levels and A2 exams into two distinct exams with brighter students eventually being able to bypass AS-levels. Exams watchdog the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has since drawn up an easy-to-follow guide.

The timetable for sitting exams would also be modified with upper sixth form students starting their final year earlier and taking A2 exams earlier but starting university in November -- a month after other students.

Dr Hempsall added: "The right balance seems to have been struck between urgent action and careful consideration for the future.

"We will need to see the action but the report goes as far as possible, given that Mr Tomlinson is an insider dealing with his friends."

Mr Tomlinson also suggested delaying the publication of results by a week to ensure further time to check grade boundaries in a bid to guarantee standards.

This would pave the way for a university entry system based on a post qualification admissions system which was welcomed by local head teachers.

The government also announced £6million to recruit extra markers to address current shortages before next summer's A-levels.

And Mr Tomlinson also recommended the use of trainee teachers and graduates -- used to mark papers in a pilot scheme this year -- should be extended.