Eight schools in Norfolk - including Cromer High and Stalham High -have been put forward for a scheme which aims to make sure they are stretching pupils enough.

Eight schools in Norfolk - including Cromer High and Stalham High -have been put forward for a scheme which aims to make sure they are stretching pupils enough.

The schools have been proposed to take part in the new government scheme, Gaining Ground, which aims to help schools which may be "coasting" - that is, those classed as satisfactory but which could do more to stretch pupils and improve results.

Norfolk County Council said it did not agree with the term "coasting" but confirmed it has eight schools which were judged by Ofsted inspectors to be satisfactory but with the potential to improve, and which have been put forward to take part.

Schools are classed by the government as coasting if they display one or more of a list of criteria. These include pupils starting school with good SATs results but going on to get poor GCSEs, unimpressive pupil progress, static exam results, disappointing Ofsted ratings, complacent leadership and lack of pupil tracking and early intervention.

The �40m Gaining Ground initiative will start next month. It will pay for consultants and training in the schools and for possible federations with successful secondaries.

If schools fail to respond, local authorities have the power to intervene, by replacing governing bodies or headteachers.

Rosalie Monbiot, cabinet member for children's services at Norfolk County Council, said she agreed the schools should not be categorised as coasting, but said those classed as satisfactory did need help in looking at how they could improve.

She said: "We have very few schools now in special measures and the next step is address those schools which could do better and stretch themselves. As well as the high schools, we have to take account of the primary schools which need help."

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "These schools are not 'failing' schools - they will have acceptable, or sometimes even good results, but may not be fulfilling the potential of their pupils. Sometimes they may not be stretching their most able pupils, or perhaps not meeting the needs of their pupils who face difficulties.

"These schools may not have received focused attention to date, but will now qualify for additional funding and support to raise their ambition and improve pupils' progress."

* The other schools identified are: Flegg High, Hellesdon High, Hamond's High, Long Stratton High, Sprowston Community High and Taverham High.