A NORTH West MEP claims education would improve if more students were encouraged to do what they enjoy.

UKIP MEP Paul Nuttall said some schools were risking students’ futures to make themselves look good.

Mr Nuttall spoke out after a report showed students claimed they were given the wrong advice about what A-level subjects to study.

Mr Nuttall said: “Schools climb up the league tables depending on the exam results of their students, regardless of whether those students secure places at university.

MORE TOP STORIES: “This means that they are more likely to advise students to do A-levels they can pass more easily rather than ones that will actually help them in the future.

“A prime example is General Studies. Most universities refuse to accept it, yet almost all sixth formers are forced to waste their time studying it, when they could be improving in subjects that do get counted.

“Schools need to remember their students are people, not statistics, and do what is best for them, not just chase league table ratings.”