PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BRADFORD

That this House is appalled that primary school pupils in Bradford continue to be failed by those who administer education in the city; points out that in Key Stage Two examination results covering reading, writing and mathematics, Bradford is ranked 147th out of 152 authorities; notes that one pupil in three attends a poor school and the chances of attending a good one have actually declined; contrasts this with Tower Hamlets, where 90 per cent of pupils attend a school which is good or outstanding and has school results which are among the best in the country; further notes that Tower Hamlets has an almost identical demographic where pupils' first language is not English but nonetheless these students have out-performed native speakers in school tests; concludes that claims that poor results are due to lack of language skills in primary pupils is demonstrably untrue; and calls on the Government to urgently address the educational crisis in Bradford by setting up a taskforce similar to the London Challenge which has clearly had a major effect in improving standards.