The figures for these underperforming schools were revealed by the head of the government's unit for raising standards in education, Michael Barber, at a conference in the United States on failing schools.

BBC: Hundreds of schools 'failing'

On January 6th Professor Michael Barber, its special adviser on education, announced that private firms would be invited to run failing state schools.

ECONOMIST: Schools

But, as Mr Barber made clear for the first time, the private firms will actually be allowed to take over the running of schools and not just to provide support services.

ECONOMIST: Schools