'Rural schools need extra help for deprived pupils'

An army of top teachers should be deployed in schools that are failing their poorest pupils, according to England's chief inspector of schools.

In a speech today Sir Michael Wilshaw from Ofsted will propose bringing in "National Service Teachers", who are employed by central government, for the worst performing areas.

It is an attempt to close the achievement gap between rich and poor, which Sir Michael says is now more prevalent in rural areas and coastal towns, than in big cities.

Mary Bousted, from Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said this was not a new problem.