The Chief Inspector of Schools has backed Bradford's move to create a two-tier education system despite widescale closures across the authority.

Chris Woodhead said standards would rise in Bradford providing the reorganisation of schools was handled efficiently.

He dispelled teachers' fears that the abolition of first, middle and upper schools would create massive disruption.

And he warned teachers that he would not allow the restructuring of schools to become an excuse for failing schools, nor for the failure of schools to meet national targets in literacy and numeracy by 2002.

Mr Woodhead, who was visiting Bradford Grammar School to talk to sixth form students, said the shake-up of schools had to be applauded as a way of removing surplus places in the system and reducing the number of expensive small schools.

"It is vitally important to make the best possible use of the resources that are currently available," he said.

"The reorganisation in Bradford appears to be making more money available for all the pupils in its system.

"Bradford's future is positive. It is difficult planning a reorganisation but given good planning and the commitment of the teaching force, the reorganisation will be worthwhile and everyone will benefit from the new system of schools.

"I am very optimistic that the Government's targets for literacy and numeracy can be met, especially in Bradford because of the reorganisation."

Mr Woodhead said he had been personally involved in reorganisations in other parts of the country and taught in large schools.

"Inevitably, there will be disruption but Bradford should not be looking at more than a couple of years disruption and it will be painful," he said.

"But my own experience is that teachers are professional and they will make it work in the interests of children."

He also felt that large schools of more than 600-place primaries and 1,500-place secondaries could work effectively.

"What is required is strong leadership from the top and careful organisation of the pupils both academically and pastorally. No individual children need to feel lost in a large school," he added.

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