The government is expanding its school improvement program to address regional disparities in education, aiming to replicate the success of London’s high-performing schools in struggling areas across England.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said her plan builds on the successful London Challenge initiative from the previous Labour government, which transformed schools in the capital, and will now apply similar strategies to underperforming schools nationwide.
Recent A-level results highlighted growing gaps between London and regions like the Midlands and the northeast, where top grades have stalled. To address this, the Department for Education (DfE) will double the number of schools supported by its Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (Rise) program.
The program targets “stuck schools”—those with consistently poor Ofsted ratings—providing expert guidance from experienced leaders, partnerships, and up to £200,000 in additional funding over two years.
Phillipson said: “While this week’s exam results were cause for celebration, they also revealed stark regional inequalities. It’s unacceptable that students in the northeast and Midlands continue to lag behind their peers in London. Our plan focuses on the weakest-performing areas, taking lessons from the London Challenge to ensure every child, no matter where they live, gets the opportunities they deserve.”
The expansion is backed by former Education Secretary David Blunkett and Sir Kevan Collins, who helped lead the original London Challenge in 2003. Blunkett praised the early intervention approach, saying it would “narrow the gap and give young people a fairer start in life.”
The London Challenge used data to identify struggling schools, working with local authorities to overhaul leadership and engage communities. By 2010, London had the highest proportion of Ofsted-rated “good” or “outstanding” schools in England.
The Rise program began earlier this year, initially supporting 200 of the 600 schools identified as needing urgent help. Another 200 will join this autumn. Schools must develop approved improvement plans before receiving funding.
Collins stressed the need for swift action: “Once decline sets in, it becomes harder to reverse—staff leave, attitudes harden. We must act decisively. It’s a disgrace these schools have been neglected for so long.”
He added that the London Challenge succeeded because of its high-profile, ambitious approach—something the new program aims to replicate.Everyone was fully committed, with strong national leadership driving the effort. There was a clear, concerted push, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to recreate with Rise.”
Jon Coles, who led the London Challenge under Tim Brighouse and now heads the United Learning academy trust, said: “The London Challenge proves that significant change is possible—these outcomes aren’t set in stone.
“Twenty years ago, inner London trailed behind every other region in the country. Now, the only area outperforming it is outer London.
“Progress is achievable, but it demands collaboration, a solid strategy, tough choices, and working across boundaries to improve outcomes for children.”
This year’s A-level results revealed a growing regional divide, with 32% of London entries securing top A* or A grades, compared to fewer than 23% in northeast England.
Young people in the northeast are also less likely to take A-levels than their peers in London and the southeast. Recent Department for Education research showed that over half of inner London students eligible for free school meals at 15 went on to higher education by 19, while just 22% did so in the northeast and East Midlands.
FAQS
### **FAQs: Replicating London’s Educational Success in Underperforming Schools**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. What is the government’s plan for underperforming schools in England?**
The government aims to improve struggling schools by using strategies that worked in London, where student performance rose significantly over the past two decades.
**2. Why is London’s education system seen as successful?**
London’s schools improved through better teacher training, strong leadership, targeted funding, and programs like the London Challenge, which raised standards in disadvantaged areas.
**3. Which schools will be targeted in this plan?**
Underperforming schools across England, particularly those with consistently low exam results or poor Ofsted ratings, will be prioritized.
**4. How will the government replicate London’s success?**
They plan to use similar strategies, such as mentoring for teachers, sharing best practices between schools, and increasing funding for disadvantaged students.
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#### **Intermediate Questions**
**5. What was the London Challenge, and how did it help?**
The London Challenge was a program that improved schools by pairing struggling ones with high-performing ones, training teachers, and focusing on leadership.
**6. Will this plan cost more money?**
Yes, additional funding is likely, but the government may also redirect existing budgets to focus on proven strategies.
**7. How long will it take to see improvements?**
Changes may take several years, as London’s success was built over a decade. Early progress could be seen in 3-5 years.
**8. What role will teachers play in this plan?**
Teachers will receive better training, mentoring, and support to adopt effective teaching methods used in London.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**9. Are there risks in copying London’s model elsewhere?**
Yes—London has unique factors like high population density and funding advantages. Rural or smaller city schools may need adjustments.
**10. How will success be measured?**
Through improved Ofsted ratings, higher GCSE/A-level results, and better student attendance and engagement.
**11. What challenges might schools face in implementing this plan?**
Resistance to change, lack of funding, teacher shortages, and differences in local needs could slow progress.
