Bosses of the private company running education in Bradford today admitted they under-estimated the scale of the problems in the district's failing schools.

Education Bradford says it needs a fresh approach - and extra Government cash - to rescue the 21 schools dubbed 'failing' or close to failing by Ofsted.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke, who is personally involved in talks to provide Bradford with extra help, has said he is "very concerned" at the persistent low standards in Bradford despite considerable Government investment.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed in February that Bradford has a larger percentage of failing schools than anywhere else in the country. Ten per cent of its 208 schools are either in Special Measures or have serious weaknesses, the next category up, meaning that they are providing an unsatisfactory level of education.

They comprise of 14 primary schools, six secondary schools and one pupil referral unit.

When Education Bradford was brought in to take over the service on a £360 million ten-year contract in July 2001 there were no 'failing' schools.

Ofsted inspections had been put on hold during the schools reorganisation period, but when they re-started, the scale of the problems were revealed.

Mark Pattison, managing director of Education Bradford, said: "The scale of the problem was largely hidden at the time the contract was let, but emerged during our first year.

"People anticipated there would be some schools with difficulties, but the number that went in to Special Measures surprised me. We tackled them on an individual basis, you can do that up to a point, but when you have so many, it's not a viable strategy."

The plan - awaiting final agreement from the Department for Education and Skills - is for the formation of a new School Improvement Partnership Board made up of heads, governors, and education officials as well as a representative from the Department for Education and Skills.

It would supervise the sharing of good practice between schools which operated well, and those which were struggling. It is understood that funding of £1 million is being sought to get the scheme going.

Councillor David Ward, executive member for education, said: "Setting up a partnership board is the DfES' idea. If it's giving us money, it wants to know how it's being spent, and that it isn't going straight into someone's back pocket, whether Education Bradford's or the Council's or to schools.

"I think it's great the DfES is willing to support us. It's better than them saying 'tough, get on with it.' This is a vote of confidence."

A DfES spokesman confirmed discussions were underway on the partnership board proposals, adding: "Charles Clarke is concerned about standards. Obviously, there's concern about it at every level in the Department."