Bradford schools will soon know who will be working with the Council to improve the education of children in the district.

Bradford Council's LEA Steering Group has shortlisted two organisations from four which put in bids to run the district's education services.

The two are EduAction - a newly formed company of Nord Anglia and Amey - and Serco/QAA. They will both have to submit further detailed proposals and a "Best and Final Offer" (BAFO).

For five weeks the proposals have been subject to rigorous evaluation.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, the Council's lead member for the project, said: "We had a clear framework. We asked that if we enter a contract what do we actually want these people to deliver and do we think they can deliver it. We scored the bids in that way then took the two highest scoring bids.

"Both the preferred bidders demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues facing the district, in particular the need to address underachievement by specific groups while at the same time driving up attainment levels for all children.

"Their proposals show a commitment to Bradford, together with the ability to provide the strategic management and leadership needed to put the district at the forefront of educational achievement."

The two unsuccessful bidders were Ensign and Capita. Council Chief Executive Ian Stewart said there was no connection between Ensign not being chosen and reports that the company had offered cash incentives to consultants running schools in Waltham Forest.

The evaluation teams have included headteachers, council officials, the Department of Education and Employment, external consultants Pricewaterhouse Coopers and an independent education expert.

Mr Stewart said: "Thanks particularly to headteachers and teachers who have given us a tremendous amount of help through this process. I didn't think I would see the day when headteachers would spend two weekends making themselves familiar with bids."

A decision organisation is expected by the middle of May but will need to be approved by the Council and the DfEE.

The successful company is expected to take over day-to-day running of support services for schools from the end of July.

l Bradford Council will be featured on Channel 4 News tonight at 7pm talking about the bid shortlist.