Each Action Zone would be assigned a successful head teacher from another area to act both as an adviser and the Education Secretary's representative.

The White Paper is also expected to spell out Government proposals for a new compulsory qualification for headteachers emphasising their key leadership role, and compulsory home-school contracts under which both teachers and parents agree expectations and responsibilities for children's progress.

There's been speedy criticism from teachers of the Government's plans. The general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, David Hart, said Mr Blunkett had failed to resolve the issue of whether future expenditure would be tied to results.

"Money for replacing outside toilets should not be dependent on targets for exam success," said Mr Hart. "Capital must be distributed on the basis of need. Confusing that with target-setting is quite unnecessary."

Mr Hart accused the Government of "trying to equate schools with the private sector, and the returns shareholders expect to see for their investment."