This MD recommends the establishment of a task & finish Inquiry to examine key challenges for education in London and develop recommendations for practical action with key partners including the boroughs, schools, policy-makers and others. The Inquiry would draw on research, evidence from key stakeholders and engage with a wide range of agencies to develop collaborative solutions to specific challenges. Initial discussions have been held with a number of Head-teachers and others to scope the potential focus of such an Inquiry and a number of common themes have emerged. The proposal is to appoint a small team of external experts to conduct the Inquiry and publish its conclusions, headed by an Independent Chair and with input from the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services and London Councils. The Mayor appoints Dr Tony Sewell to scope the breadth of the Inquiry in advance of the appointment of a Chair and Panel in December (Nolan principles will apply). A short term Secretariat will be established to support the work of the Inquiry, commission any additional research and publish its conclusions.