Growing numbers of private schools are abandoning GCSEs in favour of International GCSEs (iGCSE), which are seen as more challenging and are taught to thousands of pupils overseas.

But the Government has refused to approve iGCSEs for use in English state schools and official league tables, despite a consultation which found huge support for such a move.

Leading independent schools, which have been teaching the harder iGCSEs despite losing out in league table rankings as a result, condemned ministers' "lack of imagination".

However, the Department for Education has ruled that iGCSEs could win official approval if they are given a new name.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which is responsible for accrediting exams, has said it will work with exam boards to reach "a satisfactory outcome".

One of the two exam boards offering iGCSEs - University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) - said it was looking forward to "productive" talks with QCA about naming.

It is thought likely that the QCA would agree to give formal accreditation to the iGCSE if it is given a suitable new name.

Schools would then be able to enter the results of pupils sitting iGCSEs in official league tables and the new qualification would be almost certain to receive state funding.

International GCSEs are seen as more challenging than GCSEs because they generally involve no coursework and cover broader content.