The best performing state schools have overtaken their fee-paying counterparts for the first time in league tables of examination results published today.

Two city technology colleges with comprehensive intakes recorded the best scores in GCSE and vocational qualifications at 16, while two grammar schools topped the A Level league.

The Independent Schools Council said the performance tables were meaningless because they took into account hundreds of extra qualifications.

The league tables show an increase in exam results overall - with critics attacking the inclusion of vocational subjects.