Labour education minister Jacqui Smith has said the private sector could help turn around failing schools and improve standards in a second term Labour government.

In an exclusive interview with ePolitix.com, she said outside organisations from the voluntary or private sectors could help a failing school or one which needed extra investment.

"There will be new city academies in some of our inner city areas where schools have really failed to deliver for those children, bringing together a partnership of the head teacher, of the education authority and of private and voluntary organisations there, to perhaps bringing new management to turn round those schools," said Smith.

She also pledged that Labour would not "sit back and wring our hands" when children are being let down by their schools, saying higher standards was a key aim.

"We are willing to take whatever action is necessary in order to ensure that we are delivering those standards for all our children, wherever they go to school," she said.