KEIGHLEY MP Kris Hopkins is backing a move which could see poorly-performing schools automatically converted into academies.

Under the Education and Adoption Bill, which has cleared its first parliamentary hurdle, failing schools would also receive support from expert head teachers and be monitored by regional commissioners.

The commissioners could issue warnings where there are concerns about a particular school’s ability to raise standards.

Mr Hopkins said: “I left school at 15 with no qualifications and, after leaving the Army, had to return to education to pass my exams. When I entered politics, I made the increase of educational attainment levels a policy priority.

“No child should get second best and no parent should expect their son or daughter to receive second best.”