I moved on to a meeting with Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, and Jim Knight, Minister for Schools...

They met with Cllr Brett, Cllr Galton, Cllr Harker, Cllr Harrand and I to discuss the National Challenge, Academies and school improvement and to be reassured that we were continuing to drive up standards across Leeds. It was a really interesting and helpful meeting which reviewed the progress we have been making and how we can continue the relentless drive to ensure that no schools in Leeds are below the floor targets, we address complacency and that every child and young person in Leeds is happy, healthy, safe and successful, whatever it takes.

Ed Balls said that he wished that "every authority were as focused, determined and successful as Leeds has been." recognising the real successes we have had with GCSE outcomes, attendance, exclusions, John Smeaton Community College, the David Young Community Academy, Cockburn Community College, Wortley High School and West Leeds High School. Clearly they also recognised that we had made real progress but challenged us to do more at Intake high School, South Leeds High School, Parklands High School, Primrose High School and City of Leeds School.

My line as always was trust us, give us the resources and we will deliver brilliant outcomes for all our children and young people.
Chris