‘MUST try harder’ is the report for two Swindon schools from Children’s Minister Ed Balls.

Churchfields School and Dorcan Technology College both have work to do before they meet national standards, according to Mr Balls, who was in Swindon on Monday to open Moredon Children’s Centre.

Speaking to the Adver after the visit he said everything possible was being done to turn around schools that were in difficulty.

He said: “There are a number of fantastic schools in Swindon and I’m very pleased with the situation.

“There a couple of schools that have just dipped below the standard we would like them to be at.

“There’s a school which has just come on the horizon, which is Dorcan, and we also have Churchfields and Nova Hreod.”

Mr Balls had planned to visit Nova Hreod School on Monday before being called away on Parliament business.

He said the school, which is one of two on the Government’s National Challenge list, was showing signs of improvement.

He said: “Nova Hreod had a very difficult Ofsted but the most recent inspection showed it was making good progress.

“We have invested £90,000 in the school over the last year and it is showing very positive signs.

“The reports I’ve got back are that with Dorcan and Churchfields there’s work to do but the local authority is working on what needs to be done and we are giving every support we can.”

Neither Churchfields School nor Dorcan Technology College was available for comment.

It was Mr Balls’ second trip to Swindon and he said he was looking forward to visiting again to see the new Swindon Academy site in Pinehurst.

He said: “The new building is on track and I’m pleased pupils from 0 to 19 will all be under one roof.

The Secretary Of State For Children, Schools And Families said he was impressed by his visit to the Children’s Centre, in Montrose Close. He said: “I think it’s a great centre.

“What is important is what parents and teachers think and the feedback I got is that people want their children to have that engagement from an early age.”