BRADFORD is one of the first areas in the country to opt into a new scheme to bring some of the country's most skilled headteachers to "challenging" schools.

Schools Minister David Laws announced the Talented Leader's programme yesterday, and revealed Bradford is one of four areas that have so far agreed to take part.

Nationally the scheme will see 100 top heads brought in to fill vacant roles at underperforming schools over the next two years, starting in Bradford, Blackpool, North Lincolnshire and Suffolk next September.

Initially the programme is targeting schools in deprived, coastal and rural areas that struggle to attract skilled headteachers. The heads will be expected to stay at the school for at least three years, and will fill vacant roles, rather than replace existing headteachers.

Bradford Council hopes that the city's involvement in the programme will help improve school standards, especially in some of its more deprived areas.

It is being run by the Future Leaders Trust, which already has success in Bradford schools. Luke Sparkes came through the future leaders programme before becoming head of Dixons Trinity Academy, a city centre school which earlier this year became the first secondary free school in the country to be judged outstanding by governing body Ofsted.

The trust is currently recruiting heads and aspiring heads for the programme.

Schools Minister David Laws said: “The importance of high-quality leadership in our schools cannot be overstated. We know there is a strong link between school leadership, quality of teaching, and outcomes for pupils. The Talented Leaders programme will spread the excellence and expertise of some of our brilliant school leaders.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive for Children's Services at Bradford Council, said: "This is an excellent initiative. We know we've got to get standards up in our schools, and leadership is one of the key issues that can help achieve this. We have to look at ways of getting the best headteachers in the area. Evidence shows that what works in improving schools is getting the best leaders in place, and making sure that leadership skill is shared. It is about securing more good leaders and growing our own. We also have to make sure we have appropriate governors in place.

"I'm pleased Bradford has got in on this scheme at the earliest stage."

He said the council would share information with the trust to help find schools most in need of the programme.

Heath Monk, CEO of The Future Leaders Trust, said: “Great headteachers make great schools, but finding great heads is much harder in some areas in England. The Talented Leaders programme will give 100 exceptional people the support they need to help their students succeed."