Vast improvements in English tests have taken place at a Bradford school which had some of the worst results in the country last summer.

Last year, Bradford Cathedral Community College managed to get only 14 per cent of its 14-year-old pupils to Level 5, the national benchmark at Key Stage 3.

Within a year that has improved to 60 per cent, which is above-average for Bradford, and not far off the national average of 63 per cent. And seven youngsters at the East Bowling comprehensive attained Level 7 which means they achieved "beyond expectations".

The school's poor showing last summer reflected the turmoil it was in, said David Brett, who is now acting head teacher. Classes were being taught by a series of different English supply teachers as the department only had one permanent member.

The number of pupils achieving the national benchmark results was scandalously low and the school's new management, in place from January, focused on English to secure improvements. They are delighted with this crop of results.

"It's a remarkable improvement. The staff in the English department have worked extremely hard and we hope this is a sign of things to come," said Mr Brett.

Key Stage 3 tests are taken by all 14-year-old pupils at the end of Year 9. The English tests cover reading, writing and Shakespeare. In the tests, the bulk of pupils are supposed to reach Level 5, and many reach Level 6. Those who reach Level 7 are achieving "beyond expectations" while those who reach Level 8 are termed "outstanding".

David Kershaw, consultant head teacher at the school, said: "We focused on English for obvious reasons. It's fundamentally important to everything else we do. We are checking and double checking the results because they are so remarkable. We had seven of our students at Level 7, which is unbelievable."

Explaining the work done over two terms since Christmas to begin rescuing pupils' performance, he said: "We have had a lot of support from an outstanding English teacher from Hanson who has come and supported us for two half-days a week. We have also had a lot of help from the literacy team at Education Bradford. We have enhanced the management in school and we have challenged these youngsters and that has clearly had a dramatic effect."