It is adding up for Bradford primary school pupils as they have been rated as being among the most improved in the country at maths.

In the past year, the numbers of seven and 11-year-olds reaching expected levels in the subject have increased by six per cent.

And over the past four years the numbers who have made “two levels of progress” in maths have risen by 15 per cent.

In addition, the same test scores in English show improvements – one per cent on last year and four per cent on four years ago.

Councillor Michael Kelly said: “This is a fantastic result for the district – a credit to all.

“I am particularly delighted with the rate of improvement in mathematics at Key Stage Two, which places Bradford in the top ten per cent nationally.”

From 2006 to 2009 the number of Bradford children making the expected progress in maths rose from 66 per cent to 81 per cent, and from 75 percent in 2008. Over the same period the progress in English rose from 77 per cent to 81 per cent, and from 80 per cent in 2008.

Education Bradford, which provides support services to the district’s schools, said the jump in maths results was a response to a number of support measures that had been put in place over the last few years.

A spokesman said this included a closer focus on assessing pupils’ progress in maths, which allows teachers to spot what students might be struggling with.

Education Bradford also has a number of maths specialists who go into schools to help teachers develop their teaching skills. This also applies to English.

Education Bradford also runs a Playing For Success scheme in conjunction with the Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars, which focuses on maths and English. A spokesman said: “There has been a lot of work done to bring about this result.”