Census 2021: A quarter of people in Bradford have no qualifications

Office for National Statistics data shows that when the most recent census was carried out in March 2021, 24 per cent of residents in the city said they had no qualifications – above the national level of 18.2 per cent.

Bradford Council says schools are working "extremely hard" but there is "more to do" to make sure children succeed in education.

A business body, which represents the district, feels improvements must be made quickly to the education provided for all ages.

President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce Victoria Wainwright (Image: Bradford Chamber of Commerce)

Victoria Wainwright, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is disappointing to see such a high level of people in Bradford stating that they do not have any qualifications. 

“Attainment in Bradford has been an issue for quite some time and we cannot ignore the fact that some of our schools need to improve.

"People, both young and old, should seek to obtain qualifications through education and apprenticeships, wherever possible.

“However, it should also be kept in mind that Bradford is an extremely entrepreneurial city and there will likely be hundreds if not thousands of people in the region who are running highly successful and profitable businesses who, while lacking formal qualifications, are highly skilled in their own right.”

27.4 per cent of people in Bradford had a level 4 or higher qualification – such as a degree, postgraduate qualification, higher national certificate or diploma.

24 per cent of residents in Bradford said they had no qualifications in the 2021 Census (Image: PA)

Nationally, 33.8 per cent of people aged 16 years and older stated they had a level 4 qualification or above.

Tom Bright, Bradford branch secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), thinks the education system in Bradford needs to change.

He said: "We have a young population so potentially it may be that skewing the numbers.

"But I think an honest conversation is needed about the position Bradford is in and what are the strategies to change things. There should be a stronger vision in place.

"I deal with supporting people in schools and they are tough places to be.

"Trying to help young people to get the best out of themselves is not getting any easier."

Mr Bright added: "School is about creating life choices. Those bits of paper that you do or do not get have a serious impact on your life.

"Knuckling down when you are at school is within your best interests. 

"The responsibility for bettering oneself rests with the individual. That is the real message the kids are not getting.

"The education system does not help. Kids these days want spoon-feeding.

"The way in which we treat education in society is the issue. Parents want somewhere to park their children where they know they are safe.

"That is not what education is about, it is about kids realising that their life choices depend on what they do at an early age."

Bradford councillor Imran Khan (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, added: “We know that a successful economy in the district is dependent on the skills of the people who live and work here.

“Bradford Council works closely with businesses, education and skills providers and community groups to develop the skills of adults in the district and make sure that young people in schools gain the qualifications and experience they need to get into good work and progress in their career.

“Our schools are working extremely hard to ensure that every child’s chances of success in education are as good in Bradford as it is anywhere else in the country despite the disadvantages many of them face.

"We know there is more to do but we are determined that all our young people receive a good education and we’re working closely with schools to make sure that is the case.

“Our Careers and Technical Education (CTE) partnership is linking businesses with schools and colleges to help young people develop the skills wanted by employers.

"Our SkillsHouse service helps job seekers find work and training opportunities. provides career advice to young people and helps businesses find and train staff.

"I would urge anyone looking to gain new qualifications or work to contact SkillsHouse.”