Bradford has one of the worst records for its numbers of failing schools, official records have revealed.

Six out of 260 schools in the district have been deemed to be failing by Ofsted, which inspects classroom standards across England.

And the shock figures reveal that all but one comparable authorities have far fewer schools which are not making the grade.

Statistics revealed to Parliament show that of six comparable authorities Bradford had twice as many failing schools as Kirklees, three times as many as Luton and six times as many as Rochdale and Oldham. Only Birmingham, with 11, had more.

Bradford has six schools which failed their inspections - Woodend Middle, Great Horton Middle, Holmefield First, Fagley First, All Saints CE First and Undercliffe Middle.

Liberal Democrats on Bradford Council condemned the figures and have called for urgent action to turn around the problem schools.

They argue Bradford's crucial education review should be targeted towards supporting those schools that are not delivering a satisfactory education.

Liberal Democrat education spokesman Councillor David Ward said: "The schools' review could potentially have a huge impact on schools in Bradford and could lead to the closure of schools that have been judged to be providing a decent service by Ofsted inspectors.

"If nothing is done to help support failing schools they could continue to operate as they are but with more children being sent to them.

"I fear that unless some positive action takes place as part of the schools' review, we could see the ridiculous situation of failing schools remaining open while good schools are closed."

The review is now nearing a conclusion with just two weeks to go before Bradford Council decides on the future system of education across the district. Schools to be closed will be named shortly after.

Labour's education committee chairman Councillor Jim Flood said the authority had recognised there were failing schools and standards had to be improved.

"That is the whole point of the review. I am disappointed the Lib Dems have not twigged that yet. They should keep an eye on the bigger picture and work with us constructively to improve education in Bradford."

Tory opposition education spokesman Councillor Dale Smith said: "These figures highlight the need for something to be done to support education."

Bradford National Union of Teachers' secretary Ian Murch said: "I don't think these statistics are significant and are, in fact, potentially misleading."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.