LOCAL councils will be given sweeping new powers to take over "coasting" schools under plans to crack down on mediocrity in state education, ministers revealed today.

Even schools where inspectors say standards are "satisfactory" face drastic action if they fail to act within a proposed new 15-day deadline.

The moves form part of a drive to counter what Ofsted has estimated as the one in four schools in England which are "coasting" and offer pupils nothing more than "mediocrity".

Education Secretary Ruth Kelly published draft guidance setting out the working of the new powers, which are contained in the Government's controversial Education Bill.

She will tell a teachers' conference tomorrow: "We know that there are still pupils who are let down by attending poorly performing or failing schools for too long.

"Our principles are clear - taking early action to prevent under-performance becoming entrenched and giving failing schools immediate and effective support to turn them around as quickly as possible."

The guidance said local authorities would be able to issue schools with an official warning if the school is thought to be letting down significant numbers of pupils.