Schools off government hit list

Seven schools in Lincolnshire have come off a government hit list which detailed schools requiring extra help because of poor exam results.

In 2008 the county had 18 so-called "national challenge" schools where fewer than 30% of pupils get five A* to C GCSEs, including English and maths.

New figures show the number in Lincolnshire is now down to 11.

The government says nationally the number of "national challenge" schools is down by almost 200.

Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls said: "We are on target to meet the demanding 'national challenge' ambition of no schools below the 30% threshold by the end of 2011."

About £50m has already been allocated to schools for improvements, such as extra teachers and teaching assistants, and help for individual pupils.