Only about one in 13 students at the University of Bradford drop out in the first 12 months, according to new figures.

For the academic year 2005-06, 7.9 per cent of students failed to complete the first year of their degree course.

The figures show the university has improved its record significantly compared with the previous year where one in ten (10.9 per cent) of students failed to return.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency set Bradford a benchmark for improvement to 8.6 per cent - which it exceeded.

Professor Mark Cleary, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: "While we have been successful in addressing this, we will not be complacent and we shall continue the work we have started to make sure students are able to stay with us.

"We are also proud to be one of the best universities in the UK for supporting young students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

"Being one of the top universities in the UK for widening participation brings a greater responsibility as many of our students have challenging circumstances, making it harder for them to remain at university. We pride ourselves on the support we provide and we will continue to be a leader in this field."

The new figures come at the same time as a report from the National Audit Office which Prof Cleary accused of using old and "misleading" figures.

For the year 2004/05, the NAO report shows about one in 16 drop out within 12 months at the University of Leeds and one in 11 leaves Leeds Metropolitan.