TEACHERS in Dorset are increasingly worried their pupils no longer enjoy going to school.

Susy Varndell, president of Dorset's National Union of Teachers, told the branch dinner that constant testing, targets and league tables were taking the fun out of learning for pupils.

The Bincombe Valley Primary School teacher expressed her fears at the union's annual summer dinner.

She said schools were no longer focused on developing pupils as caring human beings'.

It is not the first time Mrs Varndell has criticised target obsessions in education.

In 2003 she hit out at the Government, saying targets were undermining pupils' physical and mental wellbeing.

David Akers, principal of Budmouth Technology College, Weymouth, said: "I have got sympathy with what Mrs Varndell says about over-testing of students. But I believe that schools are creating curriculums that challenge and motivate youngsters of all abilities.

"At Budmouth we have a curriculum that's tailored to individual needs as much as it can be."

Jim Knight, South Dorset MP and minister of state for schools, denied students in Dorset were disillusioned with education.

"I think most pupils in our area enjoy school," he said.

"No child up to the age of 16 spends more than 0.2 per cent of their school time taking tests - and tests have always been a part of education.

"Ofsted says teaching has never been better in this country and pupils do better when they are happy."

The union's dinner was held at The Fox Inn at Ansty.

Those who attended included Dorset school representatives and NUT officers and members.

Other issues discussed by speakers at the event included teacher pay, falling pupil numbers at some schools and supporting disadvantaged families.

Committee member Sally Falkingham was presented with gifts to mark her retirement.