Successful Walsall schools asked to help those struggling after string go into special measures

Eleven schools were rated inadequate and placed in special measures in the borough since last November last year.

And Walsall Council was rated as ineffective at supporting schools in an inspection in June.

Education bosses insist there have already been improvements at some of the schools since then - but they have recently launched an action plan to drive up standards.

A new education challenge board met for the first time earlier this month after being formed by Walsall Council.

The board includes councillors, headteachers, governors and officers from children's services. And members say they are determined to see improvements in the borough.

They particularly want to make sure than details of schools' progress is up to date and regularly kept track of.

And they say the best way for schools to improve will be for the struggling ones to learn from those that consistently get top grades.

Frances Done, independent chair of the education challenge board, said: "A plan is also being developed with school leaders to provide school to school support.

"The leaders of successful schools will be able to share their skills, encourage innovation and changes of approach so that all schools have the tools to succeed."

Councillor Barbara Cassidy, portfolio holder for children's services at Walsall Council, said: "A good education is one the most important building blocks for a successful future and it is something that every child and young person in Walsall is entitled to.

"We recognise as a council along with our partners that we need to know our schools better and support them better and I am confident that we now have the right plans in place to make this happen.

"The actions in the improvement plan are intended to ensure that results at all key stages, from early years up to GCSE and A level results, improve significantly and that all schools are better placed to achieve an Ofsted rating of 'good' or 'outstanding'."

The council has already taken on 32 new school governors and hopes to recruit even more in the coming months.

David Haley, executive director for children's services at the council, said: "I would like to reassure residents, parents, pupils and staff that we take our responsibility to educate and support the children of Walsall very seriously and that we are committed to ensuring that educational standards throughout the borough improve swiftly and sustainably."