Too many schools are just "getting by"

Targets will be set for all English and Welsh schools

The Minister was speaking during the Commons debate on the recent schools White Paper. The aim of the paper, he said, was to raise standards and provide high quality education for all children. "It is about equipping our children for the challenges that lie ahead....and replacing the culture of complacency", he added.

The White Paper will attempt to raise standards through the annual monitering of teachers and the imposition of sanctions against failing schools. If schools do not show signs of improvement after a series of warnings, they will face outright closure.

Mr Byer's concern is not only for the 300 schools which have been identified as failing by inspectors but the 40%-50% of schools who he feels are "getting by, coasting", and which have more room for improvement. "There will be zero tolerance of under-performance. This applies to teachers, schools, local education authorities and the Government itself" he said.