Schools in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, could bid to become one of the Government's new education action zones to drive up standards.

Headteachers and chairmen of governors have already touched on the idea during meetings on the wider issue of raising standards.

No decision has been made but more talks are likely in the autumn.

Action zones each consist of about 20 schools and are intended to be "testbeds" of the school system of the future. They will receive £1m extra each year to fund innovation.

The first 25 action zones - all outside Oxfordshire - were announced by the Government this week but a second round of bidding is likely to be announced soon.

Canon Tony Williamson, chairman of governors at Windale First School and diosecan director of education, said they wanted to know more about the system.

"My expectation is that in the autumn term there will be discussions about whether a formal bid is to be put in," he said. "I have been getting together information. I think they are worth considering." mainly because of value of additional resources and ideas."

Although schools can submit bids independently of the local authority, Canon Williamson said it was not a realistic option. Sue Lister, chairman of governors at Wesley Green Middle School, said: "I do not know enough about action zones to feel strongly about them one way or the other. I think there needs to be a very serious look at the problems of an area like Blackbird Leys. I could not say it's the answer but I would not rule it out. I want more information."

Oxfordshire decided not to apply to form an action zone in the first round but education bosses have not ruled out the idea at a later stage.

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