Three top-performing secondary schools in Bradford have received parliamentary praise.

Schools minister David Laws sent personal congratulations to the Appleton Academy, the Bradford Academy and St Joseph’s Catholic College.

In a letter to the head teacher of each school, Mr Laws said: “I would like to congratulate your staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success and thank you for your leadership in continuing the drive towards high standards of educational achievement.”

Mr Laws, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, said the Government is determined to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

He pointed to the 2013/14 Pupil Premium of £900 per pupil from reception class to year 11 – an increase of 45 per cent per pupil compared with 2012/13, he added.