There's an interesting article here:
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7777773.stm
... also a Radio 5 recording of a Simon Mayo programme with interviews with Brian Lamb, Schools Minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry (I think) and affected parents on:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00ft3t7
Could this be the start of a much needed overhaul???