However, it seems, tables are only one source of information when it comes to rating a school. Probably not, because the other methods, regularly favoured by parents trying to assess a school, are not that much more scientific or sophisticated, in the way that teaching unions would like. There's a far wider network for getting information, like visiting the school, asking around, meeting the headteacher, getting information from the school. The league tables are sort of an interesting back-up, giving some insight about what other schools are doing. But, you don't need to look at the tables to judge a school - you just need to look at the house prices.
Many parents know and understand the limitations of league tables.
But that doesn't stop them from checking them. What's more, if this was the last time they were ever published that wouldn't stop parents from assessing schools. It just might mean they'd go to the estate agent instead of the newsagent or the internet to do it.