EFFORTS to improve education results in schools are beginning to bear fruit, according to figures released this week.

Although Ilkley results are generally higher than the rest of the district, there have been notable improvement across the whole of the education authority, said education boss David Ward (Lib-Dem, Idle).

According to Bradford Council the figures show that performance for 11-year-olds had increased in science, maths and English.

There had also been smaller increases in the performance of younger pupils with an overall rise in test results.

Coun Ward said: "I would like to congratulate pupils, teachers and parents for the great deal of effort which has gone into achieving these improvements at Key Stages one and two.

"It is particularly pleasing to see such significant improvements at Key Stage two because this is the vital age at which pupils are beginning to prepare for secondary education."

The Conservative spokesman for education, Rombalds Councillor Dale Smith, said: "The improvements reflect the hard work and professionalism of the staff in our schools which has helped raise the standard of achievements, especially at a time of great change and uncertainty."