'Failing' schools face ultimatum

Scores of West Midland schools were given an ultimatum today to improve their GCSE results or face being closed and turned into academies

They were among 638 schools across England identified as failing by the Government.

Those in which less than 30 per cent of pupils are achieving at least five good GCSEs, including English and maths, are being targeted.

These include nine schools each in Sandwell and Walsall, six each in Wolverhampton and Shropshire, four in Dudley, three in Staffordshire, two in Worcestershire and 27 in Birmingham.

Local authorities have until the start of the summer holidays to produce an action plan to turn their performances around or risk the threat of intervention or closure.

Ministers are doubling the funds to boost the achievements of the country's worst-performing schools under the £400 million standards drive, which will create up to 70 new academies.

Under the National Challenge programme, targeted schools will be offered a tailored package to help them reach the 30 per cent benchmark pass rate by 2011, including extra funding and resources, expert advice, mentoring from experienced headteachers and assistance from other schools and organisations. Two schools in each of the 10 most deprived areas will also be a part of a £200,000 Extra Mile scheme, linking them with successful neighbouring schools to raise the schools' and students' ambitions.

Despite the extra cash, ministers say there is no simple link between deprivation and under-achievement.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said although the number of secondary schools failing to reach the 30 per cent target had fallen from 1,610 since 1997, there were still too many where pupils were under-achieving.

He said: "With all the support on offer for parents and schools, no child is on a pre-determined path to low results – whatever their background and wherever they go to school.

"Each of these schools faces different challenges in getting up to and over 30 per cent. But I will not hesitate to challenge local authorities to do more for their local schools."

Schools in the Black Country and Staffordshire at risk include:

Sandwell: Holly Lodge High School College of Science, Bristnall Hall Technology College, The Heathfield Foundation Technology College, Alexandra High School and Sixth Form Centre, St Michaels CofE High School, Wodensborough Community Technology College, Tividale Community Arts College, Menzies High School and Manor Foundation Business and Sports College

Walsall: Willenhall School Sports College, Pool Hayes Arts & Community School, Blue Coat CofE Comprehensive School, Alumwell Business and Enterprise College, St Thomas More Catholic School, Darlaston Community Science College, Shelfield Sports and Community College, Frank F Harrison Engineering College and Sneyd Community School

Wolverhampton: The Northicote School, Moseley Park School, Coppice Performing Arts School, Wednesfield High School, Parkfield High School, Pendeford Business and Enterprise College

Dudley: Castle High School and Visual Arts College, The Coseley School, The Wordsley School and Pensnett High School.

Staffordshire: Paulet High School, Stafford Sports College and Blake Valley Technology College

Worcestershire: Arrow Vale Community High School, Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre.