TEACHERS have demanded that a website be banned because it allows pupils to attack their ability.

The American-run RateMyTeachers.co.uk site already has scores of teachers from Kirklees schools on its pages.

They are named, rated out of five for a number of skills and given an overall score of poor, average, good or popular.

But teachers and unions say the site is dangerous and could lead to people being unfairly rated by students with vendettas.

Already, pupils from Colne Valley High, Heckmondwike Grammar and Brighouse High have named teachers.

The craze has swept through the United States and Northern Ireland - and the website bosses are predicting a similar success in the UK.

So far, 25,000 ratings have been posted nationwide.

Keith Wilson, deputy head at Heckmondwike Grammar, one of the best-performing schools in the North, said the site was unfair to teachers.

"There is no chance to reply to this criticism and I would suggest that most of it is unfounded," he said.

"If people were to look at this site and see these teachers' names they could well get the wrong impression of them and their methods.

"And, of course, it is bad for the school."

Mr Wilson also said the claims on the site could be defamatory.

"If a teacher's ability to teach is in question that is a worry. It should not be down to students to rate teachers.

"Things like exam results show if a teacher is capable - not a comment from a student on a website."

Representatives from the National Union of Teachers have also expressed their disgust at the site.

Bev Marshall, of the Yorkshire and Midlands branch, said he expected complaints from members.

"Anyone putting defamatory statements into the public domain needs to be aware of the legalities," he added.

"Teachers have enough to worry about without being targeted in this manner.

"Anyone featured on this site should take advice from their professional body."