The head of teacher training at Bradford College today defended his department after a national table placed it bottom of the class for entry qualifications.

The table did not show a true picture of the college, said Barry Miller.

The Government report shows Bradford College at number 76, with Oxford University topping the table.

The table was based on the institutions' scores for entry qualifications - A-level for undergraduate and degree class for post-graduate.

At Oxford University, more than 72 per cent of those recruited to the post-graduate course had an upper second or first. At Bradford College the total was less than 27 per cent. But Mr Miller said: "Bradford has many positive qualities and did very well in other categories but, as usual, it is easy to interpret the figures negatively.

"Here we don't just look at someone's A-level grades or degree classification. There are other factors to consider such as how much experience they have of working with children and what other qualities they have, which might not necessarily be in terms of marks and grades.

"In particular areas, such as mature students and members of those communities which are under represented in the teaching profession, we have scored very highly.

"In terms of recruitment of students from ethnic minority communities we are the national highest for Key Stage 2/3 courses, fourth highest for secondary and 14th for primary.

"We are tenth highest in the country for recruitment of students with Access qualifications which are particularly designed for mature students."

More than 50 per cent of students at Bradford College teacher training department are aged 25 and over.

Mr Miller also said the college was over-subscribed, with the primary course in particular full by December, while others were trying to fill empty places through clearing.

"Also, we are very proud that our college has a very good record for students getting jobs. Of our primary trainees, 82 per cent found employment within three months of leaving the college.

"Most of the students are local and they also found employment in the area, which is a quite an achievement."