THE Government is expecting to announce that the number of schools failing to hit its target of 30% or more pupils gaining A* to C grades, including English and maths, has fallen to less than 300.

Originally, the Government named and shamed 638 schools nationally – 13 in Derbyshire – and launched a National Challenge programme to help them.

By last August, the number had dropped to 440 and now it could be in the region of 270.

Among those breaking through the barrier locally have been Aldercar Community Language College, in Langley Mill, Alfreton Grange Arts College and Noel-Baker Community School, in Alvaston.

Da Vinci Community College, in Breadsall Hilltop, is also included in the National Challenge programme.

Head teacher Rob Martlew said he was very pleased with the 2009 results, which showed 57% of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades, 30% including English and maths.

Like the schools that have passed the 30%, it will be monitored until it shows that it can sustain the progress.

Mr Martlew said: "The results have again surpassed all of our targets."

Bennerley School, in Ilkeston, and Bemrose Community School have still to reach the 30% target. Sinfin Community School managed to reach 30% but also needs to show sustained improvement as well.

Merrill College, in Alvaston, was one of the worst performing schools in the country, with only 15% of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths.

Head teacher Roger Shipton said: "We don't feel this result is an accurate reflection of the students' efforts and abilities because it was an incredibly hard-working year."

Derby City Council is seeking a plan that will help the school out of its predicament.

Sinfin school is due to link up with Chellaston School in the near future to create a National Challenge Trust school.

A new board of governors will oversee the school and ideas shared between the two schools.

A similar plan is just about to start at Bemrose Community School in Uttoxeter New Road, with a formal arrangement between it and Littleover Community School.

With 33% five A* to C grades, including maths and English, Noel-Baker Community School is also receiving continued monitoring.

The Government is investing £400m in total in the National Challenge programme until 2011.

About £52m of this has already been allocated.

It has paid for extra teachers, teaching assistants and help for individual pupils at some schools.