* The Government should set up systems to spot earlier if schools are failing and intervene more quickly, the Social Market Foundation will argue in a paper to be published next week.
The think-tank will propose that inspectors visit schools more regularly and that warning systems should be triggered if there is a sudden fall in a school’s pupil numbers or exam results.
Claudia Wood, an SMF researcher, said the Government needed to decide faster whether it should close schools or intervene to improve them.
“It is vital to protect the most vulnerable pupils from sustained exposure to poor quality services,” she said.
Mike Tomlinson, the former chief schools inspector who has led the inquiry into 14 to 19 education, is due to take part in an SMF seminar on choice and tackling failing schools on Wednesday.
About Learning will be available at www.demos.co.ukAlso see www.smf.co.uk