The original action plan was not ambitious enough, said Estyn

The service was severely criticised in an Estyn report published three months ago which led to the ousting of its former leader Rhiannon Hughes.

Estyn asked the council to improve its original action plan sent in October, saying it was not "ambitious enough".

Members of the council's cabinet approved the new document on Thursday.

The Estyn report highlighted poor communication and "ineffective" political leadership at the council.

It also concluded that performance in the county was below average at ages seven, 11 and 16.

Education Minister Jane Hutt has also announced the seven members of the board which will advised her on the service in the county, and recommend whether she needs to take further action. There is also provision to appoint an eighth members.

DENBIGHSHIRE EDUCATION RECOVERY BOARD Prof Roy James, chair of the board and a former chief inspector of schools Dewi Lake, head of Ysgol y Moelwyn, Gwynedd Sandra Davies, former head teacher John Clutton, former director of education, Flintshire Prof Mike Scott, principal of North East Wales Institute, Wrexham Shan Wilkinson, Wrexham councillor Rod Alcott, Wales Audit Office

In 2006, Denbighshire came 19th of the 22 authorities in Wales for the percentage of students gaining two AS/A levels.

'Radical changes'

In October, Education Minister Jane Hutt gave the council until 27 December to produce revised proposals for improving the education service.

Estyn said that targets in the original action plan were not ambitious enough and needed to be more coherent.

Ms Hutt also set up an independent monitoring board to oversee the way the council is dealing with the issues.

The revised document said: "Denbighshire accepts the findings of the Estyn report and recognises that its response will involve radical changes to the way in which education is led, managed and delivered within the county.

"There is a renewed determination to improve trust and develop a strong shared sense of purpose around raising standards for all the children and young people of Denbighshire."

The council is planning to earmark an extra �700,000 in the next financial year to improve education.

This includes �290,000 to help raise standards at GCSE level, �120,000 for the appointment of three more members of the School Improvement Team and another �170,000 to help improve pupils' behaviour and reduce exclusion rates.