Worcester MP Mike Foster has pledged his support for Tony Blair's controversial school reforms as the Prime Minister faces a massive backbench revolt.

The Government looks set to rely on Tory votes to get its Education Bill through the Commons after it was published with no significant concessions to Labour MPs.

Up to 50 backbenchers are threatening to vote against the bill amid fears that it will create a two-tier education system exploited by middle class families.

But Mr Foster, who initially shared some of those fears, has been persuaded that moves to outlaw academic selection and admissions interviews will remove that danger. The MP is convinced that the creation of new 'trust schools' which are free of local education authority control, will raise standards across the board.

"The Government's task is to raise standards for all, but particularly for lower income groups," saids Mr Foster.

"This issue goes to the heart of why I came into politics.

"Translating Labour values into action means that we have to do our utmost to make every school a good school and provide the support to allow every child to reach their full potential."

The Bill also strengthens teachers' powers to deal with unruly pupils in class.