A NEW Dorset School Improvement Board(DSIB)has been proposed in a bid to drive up standards across the county council area.

Schools will be encouraged to work together in clusters to share good practice and help improve lower-performing schools.

The council's Cabinet will consider proposals for the DSIB at a meeting on October 17. It would be an independently chaired, school-led, voluntary body representing both academies and maintained schools.

A detailed consultation process will take place if the board is approved with a proposed start date of April 1 next year.

Cllr Andrew Parry, cabinet member for Economic Growth, Education, Learning and Skills, said:

"This proposed approach recognises the excellent work that is already going on in schools and between schools. The aim is to strengthen the partnership working between schools, giving them greater autonomy to share ideas and methods across all schools.

"We anticipate that this will help improve school performance across the county. The council is keen to facilitate and support these arrangements."