Headteachers are being urged to aspire for excellence in order to make up for a shortfall in top-rated schools.
Only eight per cent of primary and secondary schools in Braintree district are currently ranked “outstanding” by inspectors Ofsted.
In the Braintree area, only two out of 25 schools are outstanding, while seven are deemed as either requiring improvement or inadequate.
Across Essex, 17 per cent of schools are currently ranked outstanding by Ofsted.
A total of 68 per cent of schools in the district are deemed good, MP Brooks Newmark believes staff should not rest on their laurels.
He said: “Most of the schools that I have visited are doing a good job and that’s reflected in the overall picture.
“Is there room for improvement though? Absolutely - where there are issues the heads get hold of me and we talk things through."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here