Papers reject school exams call

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The call to replace school exams for under-16s with testing of a sample group is widely rejected in the papers.

The Sun says the General Teaching Council plan would mean fewer jobs for pupils when they leave school.

The Independent and Daily Mail agree that tests should continue, but that there should be far fewer of them.

Staying with education, the Daily Telegraph leads on a think-tank study suggesting that political interference has corrupted the school curriculum.

Conkers warning

The Independent front page reports that the US is facing its worst summer drought since the Great Depression, with climate change to blame.

It is also threatening to turn conkers into a summer game, says the Telegraph.

The paper warns that horse chestnut trees could shed their seeds by August, possibly leading to a shortage for October's World Conker Championships.

The Daily Mail leads on a report that new drugs are being developed that could stave off the menopause.

War crimes fears

The Independent reports that ex-Royal Navy head Admiral Sir Alan West sought private legal advice on the Iraq war.

He consulted lawyers about whether Navy and Royal Marines personnel could end up facing war crimes charges.

The Times' lead says co-habiting partners who split could be given similar rights to divorcing couples.

The Sun carries the story of a "fussy fiancee" whose wedding organisation included colour-coded instructions later forwarded all over the UK.

Hero Hamilton

India's largest television channel is to make a 40-part series aimed at improving the dire reputation of British cookery, reports the Times.

Bangers and mash will be made with chicken sausages, while mangoes will feature in crumble.

Canadian Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton is hailed as Britain's new hero in the Times and Mail.

The Daily Express says the 22-year-old stands on the threshold of becoming a 21st Century icon.