Dramatic improvements in pupils' performance in reading, writing and arithmetic at a Bradford school is being credited on them being given fish oil.

Scientists have become convinced that omega-3 fatty acids can improve mental ability and concentration.

And a trial at Newhall Park Primary in Bierley, Bradford, appears to support their claims.

In a study begun last September among 34 year three and four pupils aged eight and nine, 74 per cent showed improvements in numeracy, 81 per cent in reading and 67 per cent in writing after receiving a daily dose of omega-3.

Some leapt ahead by the equivalent of more than two levels in national curriculum tests. Teachers also noted improvements in concentration levels and behaviour.

Head teacher Pauline Ellis said: "A couple of years ago we noticed that a significant number of pupils were fidgety and had a low attention span, not being able to sit through the Harvest Festival. But now that has all changed. We are seeing some incredible differences."

She said one pupil with learning difficulties, who was previously unable to hold a pencil, could now sit still and hold a conversation.

Parental involvement officer Sharon Barker said the school had decided to embark on the trial after reading about the benefits of the substance in the press.

The school received £500 from Excellence in Cities which paid for six weeks of oil before Boots provided nearly a year's supply.

Mrs Barker said: "We are very pleased with the results but we are not saying it is all down to omega-3.

"We have taken junk food off the menu, Yorkshire Water has installed water coolers around the school and we also have a breakfast club which promotes healthy eating." Scientists consider fatty acids to be an essential building block of the brain and necessary for children's mental development.

Researchers believe omega-3 may boost learning by making it easier for brain signals to move between cells.

Telegraph & Argus medical correspondent Dr Tom Smith sounded a note of caution as he said it was impossible to say if fish oil was solely responsible for the pupils' improvement without carrying out a properly-regulated scientific trial. He said: "We have known about fish oil for a long time. It was first noticed to benefit the Inuits in Greenland where it improved blood circulation to the heart.

"It was only a short step from that to saying oily fish could improve brainpower in children.

"The problem with these trials is that there has not been a second group of children, who unknown to them, were taking supplements which did not contain fish oil."

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk