Greater Manchester Challenge

City Challenge is a three year programme which was announced in June 2007 and covers Greater London, Greater Manchester and the Black Country.

It aims to break the link between disadvantage and educational underachievement.
The Greater Manchester Challenge will be launched officially in April 2008 and aims to:

• Address problems of under performing schools
• Create more outstanding schools
• Ensure better results for disadvantaged children

The Challenge will receive around a £50 million investment package from the Department for Children, Schools and Families from May 2008 to 2011.

Ten local authorities will be involved (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan). It covers both primary and secondary education.

Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families and Minister for the North West will lead the Challenge, in partnership with education stakeholders in the area.  She will be advised by the Chief Adviser for the Greater Manchester Challenge, Professor Mel Ainscow.