BOLTON is to put in a revised bid to set up an education action zone in the town. Behind the scenes talks are already underway to have another try at creating an EAZ in the Breightmet and Tonge areas. But the attempt to win an extra £3 million for schools over a three year period is expected to be different to the last bid which was turned down by the Government.

This time it will probably be led by schools rather than the local education authority and another secondary school, Thornleigh, could join the Withins.

Both these factors are expected to make the Government look more favourable on Bolton's submissions during the competitive bidding process which starts in April.

St Stephen and All Martyr's Primary will also join the 16 schools involved in the original failed bid which was one of 60 chasing the first 25 places on the scheme.

But the final list of partners, which will be drawn from industry, community groups, charities and voluntary organisations, have yet to be decided.

Talks are already underway to try and find innovative and radical ways of raising classroom standards in the zone area which will provide the framework for Bolton's bid.

If it gets past the first hurdle, Bolton will get £20,000 to work up their ideas before the final round in the competition.

Education Action Zones are the Government's way of encouraging businesses and other organisations to help run schools but are considered controversial because some fear they could lead to schools being taken over by private companies and run for profit.

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