In his first Cabinet reshuffle since becoming Prime Minister, John Key has taken a portfolio off the Education Minister to allow her to concentrate on introducing national standards to primary schools.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce takes over the tertiary education portfolio.
The Prime Minister says the decision to relieve Anne Tolley of the portfolio is no reflection on her ability - he simply wants her to have time to focus fully on introducing national literacy and numeracy standards this year.
Mr Key is adamant the Government will not back down on the policy, saying it is prepared to sack school boards which refuse to co-operate.
In another move, Trade Minister Tim Groser has lost his conservation portfolio to Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson.
Mr Key says that change has been made because Mr Groser is out of the country so often.
