Three struggling Basildon schools will not close as a result of a new Government ruling, Education chiefs vowed today.

Of the six Essex schools falling short of the strict standards benchmark, three are in Basildon.

James Hornsby High School, Laindon, and De La Salle and Barstable, both in Basildon, could all face drastic measures under tough new Government standards.

This could mean the sacking of headteachers at schools which continue to fail their pupils with poor teaching standards and bad exam results.

However, county education chiefs have vowed there will be no sackings and no schools closed in the town. Encouragement to reach the necessary standards will be a priority.

Education and employment secretary David Blunkett warned 500 schools across the country would be forced to pull their socks up - or risk severe consequences.

Each school, under the new ruling, must have 25 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades at GCSE by 2006.

James Hornsby, De La Salle and Barstable schools are all being targeted by the new legislation.

They are already committed to improving on past achievements and firmly believe no drastic action will be needed.

An education spokesman said: "Raising standards is top of the agenda at every school - primary, secondary and special.

"We are committed to playing our part in helping all schools succeed. Obviously, those schools which need the greatest help are first in line to receive it.

"We feel confident no Essex secondary schools will be affected by this announcement. The progress made in recent years has been very encouraging."

The Government ruling is to include the appointment of ten "super heads" from successful schools to offer assistance to those failing.

Essex education chiefs recognise the county has a number of striving headteachers who would be able to take up the role.

The spokesman said: "We already have a number of experienced headteachers who go into primary schools in times of difficulty to help the school pull through. This is already happening in dozens of our schools."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.