The move, due to be discussed by the city council cabinet next month, is part of a three-pronged attack on under-achievement.

The ruling Liberal Democrat group aims to tackle the problem on three levels: in schools, through good parenting and city-wide, drawing in partners from universities, commerce and industry.

"For too many years it has been education performance that is holding this city back," said Coun Andrew Sangar, cabinet member for children's services.

"You only get one chance at childhood and we've got to get it right. Getting children up to standard is not something that's going to take ten years. We want to do it in four or five years and that means we've got to take action now."

The key problem is the gap between the attainment of Sheffield schoolchildren and the national average.

The Lib Dems say the city is at least 5% behind where it should be – and they are drawing up a 'visionary' statement about raising standards and aspirations.

They are also planning a series of measures designed to boost leadership skills, which they believe will play a key role in addressing the shortfall.

The pool of 'super-heads' is part of that strategy, although details have not yet been finalised.

Nationally accredited teachers, with successful track records, would be head-hunted by recruitment specialists and shortlisted for vacancies in city schools.

"This is about putting our money where our mouth is," said Coun Sangar. "This will cost the council money but school leadership is important and we think this is an investment well worth making.

"It will be an ongoing investment for two or three years; having a pool and using it vigorously to ensure as many of our primary schools get the leadership they need."

The Lib Dems have already warned that standards must rise – and heads who are not up to the job will be expected to make way for others. The pool will provide a ready supply of suitable candidates.

"It's primary schools where the challenge on heads is at its greatest. Secondaries have management teams and if you're not up to the job, the system finds you out," said Coun Sangar.

"At primary level we have too many schools in Ofsted measures and too many schools below Government targets. We need to sort out these problems.

"There will be some situations where the headteacher will be replaced; there will be others where it will be about putting in extra resources to work alongside existing staff. It's about looking at each school on its merits."

Other measures being proposed as part of the stragegy include setting up a leadership academy, with specialist courses and extra support for potential headteachers.

The Lib Dems also want to establish formal partnerships between under-achieving schools and those that have proven strengths in specific areas.

Parents will be expected to play their part, too, and Coun Sangar admits that there is no quick fix when it comes to raising the city's aspirations. But action is essential, he said.

"We have to change Sheffield. The jobs we have now aren't the jobs we had 30 years ago. They require people to take on new skills and new training and we need to raise the bar so we can compete with other cities across Britain and across Europe. This is the bit we can do something about."



What do you think? Add your comments below

MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide