In 2006, the County Council initiated a review of school structures to determine whether or not to continue with the three-tier system of lower, middle and upper schools. Following consultation, it was decided that the existing structure would stay but, in order to strengthen school improvement in the County, members charged officers with the responsibility of producing a plan for the support and development of school improvement. Following a process of consultation in the autumn term 2006, the plan was agreed by the full County Council and is now operational.

The plan comprises 11 themes each of which addresses key aspects of school improvement. These include sections on Continual Professional Development (CPD), support to schools causing concern, sections on raising standards and activities to support the development of ICT. The plan also recognises the key role of leadership in schools and the need to foster good governance. It is broad in scope and draws on the full education community in schools and within the centrally based services of the authority. The plan has been shared with officials of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and was very well received.