Enter super-teacher

New powers to set up a network of "super-teachers" and get rid of their under-performing classroom colleagues will be outlined by the Government tomorrow, writes Stephen Castle.

A White Paper will propose special Education Action Zones, and a General Teaching Council, with parental and business representatives, to police the profession, with the power to bar teachers in cases of gross incompetence. The Government will also bring forward plans to cut the time it takes to dismiss teachers.

The super-teachers will be experienced staff who want to stay in the classroom rather than become heads or deputies. They will be given a new grade, and will act as mentors to new teachers.

The proposals, to be launched by the Education Secretary, David Blunkett, have the personal backing of the Prime Minister.