A GROUP set up to deal with some of Bradford's most pressing issues is now turning its attention to the district's struggling education system.

Bradford Matters includes representatives from businesses the police, schools and universities, community groups, and members of the major religious organisations.

The group was formed in 2011, and after spending years helping improve Bradford city centre through its city plan, the group is investigating ways of improving results in school, improving community cohesion and making sure the positive sides of Bradford's education system are recognised and used as examples for change.

However, members recognise that whatever they do, they are unlikely to turn things around overnight.

In recent years Bradford has experienced disappointing league table placing and exam results, and a recent report to Bradford Council's executive revealed that the authority had missed several important education targets last year.

That is a situation Bradford Matters hopes to change.

Members of the group include Dr Mohammed Iqbal, one of its founder and vice-chairman, Sir James Hill, its chairman, and Andy Welsh, Bradford College's chief executive officer.

Dr Iqbal said: "We are a diverse group looking at the major challenges facing Bradford. Education is now one of our core priorities. We set up the city plan and that took three-and-a-half years, it might take even longer to fix the education."

Mr Welsh said: "We're finding out which areas need improving as well as looking at the areas of good practice. We want to make sure the good news stories about schools come out too. If we have people from all these different backgrounds working together we can make sure everyone is pointing in the right direction. Everyone can get behind educational improvement."

Dr Iqbal, who came to Bradford from Kashmir as a child, said there were numerous young people involved in the group, such as student union representatives, to make sure they had an insight into the younger generation.

He said: "We're really looking forward to going into schools and shaping the agenda.

"One positive thing is that everyone recognises there needs to be improvements, and they are needed rapidly. It is good that the new MPs are keen to highlight education as a priority too.

"It is important we are honest with ourselves about what needs to be done. We have to move beyond the once a year figures. In a business you need five to 10 year plans."

Sir James said: "There are all sorts of issues in Bradford involving class, culture and other issues we all need to work together to deal with, whether you're from the Holme Wood estate or from the middle of Manningham. We can't brush these issues under the carpet."

The group will be start their improvement plans in earnest after the summer holidays.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, executive for education on Bradford Council, said: "I'm glad of the support of Bradford's businesses in making sure our young people have the best start in life.

"Bradford Matters members are, I know, enthusiastic supporters of Bradford as a successful place to live and work and therefore their support for this agenda is welcomed."