A significant number of Bradford teenagers are failing to reach the standards expected of them in English, maths and science, new figures reveal.

But a higher proportion of 14-year-olds are reaching the required Level Five in English, based on teacher assessments of pupils’ achievements, according to statistics published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

About three in four 12-year-olds are achieving the expected level in English and maths, and four in five in science, based on teaching assessments at Key Stage 2.

But educationalists last night warned the data is difficult to compare directly year-on-year because of varying cohorts of pupils and the different times when schools choose to conduct assessments.

It is the first time 14-year-olds’ attainment has been assessed solely on teacher assessment, following the scrapping of SATs tests for the age group.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls abolished SATs in English, maths and science for 14-year-olds last autumn after the marking fiasco which left more than a million schoolchildren waiting for results across the country.

Councillor Michael Kelly, Bradford Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said: “There have been some excellent results both in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.

“It is fantastic that in Bradford we are continuing to improve and close the gap between the district and national averages. We congratulate pupils, teachers, parents, governors and support staff for all their hard work.”

e-mail: ben.barnett @telegraphandargus.co.uk