Three Bradford schools have been named as some of the most improved in England.

St Francis in Swain House, Horton Grange in Great Horton and Iqra Community in Manningham have all seen their pass rates improve consecutively each year since 2009.

They were among just over 200 schools nationally to achieve the accolade.

At St Francis, the number of pupils passing level four in both subjects has risen by a massive 39 per cent points in four years, from 51 in 2009 to 90 this year.

Head teacher Daniel Copley said: “We are absolutely delighted and it’s credit to the children, staff, parents and governors.

“We have got the right people in the right places doing the right things.

“We are buzzing a bit as a school. We are definitely going places.”

Mr Copley said the school had come a long way since he joined it in January 2009.

Four months after he started, the school was deemed to be failing and placed in special measures.

Mr Copley said: “We came out in record time, so that was pleasing, and the improvements continued.”

At Horton Grange, the key stage two pass rate has risen from 62 per cent in 2009 to 90 this year.

Head teacher Carol Stephenson said: “We are delighted for the children, the parents and all the staff. We have worked really hard together to ensure that our children achieve the best they possibly can.”