Every decision that deprives Bradford schools of better facilities and more resources adds to the difficulties the district is facing when it comes to improving its standing in education league tables.

So the decision to exclude all of the eight schools in the district which were put forward for inclusion in the Government's priority schools building scheme is a body blow.

The funds would have allowed either complete re-building or significant improvements to Queensbury School, Bingley Grammar School, Ilkley Grammar School and St Bede's Catholic Grammar School, as well as primary schools Lilycroft Primary School, St Cuthbert and the First Martyr's Catholic Primary School, Sandal Primary and Nursery School, and Shipley Church of England Primary School.

It is disappointing to see all these schools miss out completely on this much needed funding, particular given the Bradford district's recent fall in the GCSE results national league table.

Facilities are obviously only part of the pictures, and the single most important factor is the quality of the teaching.

Having said that, out-of-date facilities and buildings do not help in efforts to improve standards.

There are obviously a lot of demands for funding and the Government must put the worst cases first.

But it is difficult to see why Bradford would not be classed as one of the most urgent cases, particularly given it's recent drop in national standing.

With the some of the buildings in the schools put forward described as not fit for purpose by Bradford Council's lead education councillor, Ralph Berry, parents will be very disappointed that the funding is not reaching them this time.