THE author of a report on education standards in the North believes Bradford could help lead the way in changing the region’s fortunes.

Sir Nick Weller, chief executive of Bradford-based Dixons Academies Trust, released his Northern Powerhouse Schools Strategy last year In it he said major changes were needed to improve school standards.

He now believes that recently announced extra government funding for Bradford could be used to implement some of these changes.

The Department for Education recently announced that Bradford would become an Opportunity Area, which will see the district given extra money to promote social mobility through schools.

Bradford will be one of six areas to share £72 million of government cash earmarked for improving opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Suggestions in Sir Nick’s report included the formation of a Government funded “Teach North” programme to attract more teachers to disadvantaged Northern schools.

He said: “The recent announcement that Bradford is to be an Opportunity Area will bring very welcome additional funding to the district, which could be used to help fund some of the recommendations in the Northern Powerhouse Schools Strategy, particularly around teacher recruitment and raising standards.”

He will be giving a speech about his plans at Bradford’s next Public Forum for Education on March 15, called Improving Attainment in Bradford.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford’ Council’s Executive for Education, Employment and Skills said: “This meeting will be the first time Sir Nick has talked about the Northern Powerhouse Schools Strategy in Bradford.

“We are already leading the way with our work to recruit teachers and we want to ensure that the district is at the forefront of any drive to raise standards in the North. The event is a great opportunity for people in education and the wider public to hear about the council’s plans for raising standards in our schools.”

Judith Kirk, Deputy Director for Education, Employment and Skills will present the Council’s response to Sir Nick’s report at the forum.

The event will be held in the Hockney Conference Room at Margaret McMillan Tower, Princes Way from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.