National Challenge is a Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) programme of support to secure higher standards in all secondary schools. Its aim is that, by 2011, at least 30 per cent of pupils in every school will gain five or more GCSEs at A*-C, including both English and mathematics. Each school that is currently below this target will receive support from a National Challenge adviser. More information on the programme and becoming a National Challenge adviser can be found on the DCSF website.
NCSL is providing support for National Challenge advisers in four ways: