Estelle Morris will be expected to deliver on improving education

And it is expected that the government's forthcoming legislative programme will include plans for greater diversity within the state sector, with more specialist schools, religious schools and city academies.

These new designations of school will eventually account for more than half of the comprehensive sector - and will see a greater level of involvement from business, community and religious groups.

Specialist schools, which allow for a limited level of selection by aptitude, have been successful at improving exam results.

And the new Education Secretary, Estelle Morris, will be hoping that the expansion of specialist schools will see this success replicated across the secondary sector.

Private sector

In the Labour government's first term, primary schools were seen as a success story, with literacy and numeracy strategies contributing to improvements in test results.

Now in the second term, secondary schools will be the focus of attention - with a White Paper expected in the next few weeks, following on the pre-election Building on Success consultation paper.

Where we think the private sector can deliver we won't hesitate to draw on its skills

Estelle Morris

As part of the attempt to revitalise secondary schools, there is likely to be a greater role played by the private sector in running education services and schools.

"What matters is what works. Where we think the private sector can deliver we won't hesitate to draw on its skills," said Estelle Morris, in her first major statement after becoming education secretary.

The importance of developing vocational skills in schools and colleges is also likely to feature in the government's plans for its newly-launched Education and Skills department.