Plans for a shake-up of sixth forms across Bradford to increase choice for teenagers has won approval.

The changes come after Ofsted criticised the set-up for failing to tempt enough students to stay on in education.

Inspectors said some schools were trying to maintain small, unviable sixth forms, causing costly duplication of A-level courses. At the same time there were not enough on-the-job training opportunities for less academic youngsters.

Education chiefs were ordered to draw up a plan to tackle the problems.

Rather than a radical model of new sixth form colleges, the plan is for schools to link with neighbours in area 'federations' to stamp out duplication. They will work together to offer a range of complementary courses so students can choose to study at an appropriate level. And there is to be a review of sixth forms - which could mean the smallest could close or merge. The Federations idea has now been accepted by Ivan Lewis, minister for adult learning and skills.

But he has ordered the district to pay more attention to lower level courses for the weakest students who are not capable of sitting A-levels, demanding a supplement to the plan which explains how the authorities will address this.

Mr Lewis wrote to Learning and Skills Council boss Margaret Coleman: "I am encouraged by the enthusiasm you and your partners in Bradford have demonstrated in pulling this plan together. The Federations proposal is certainly interesting, and I am pleased to note they will assist with Bradford's drive on community cohesion."

Schools chiefs hope grouping schools will help break down mono-cultural schools.

Mr Lewis said: "The Area Inspection Report highlighted some significant issues across Bradford which you are now working to address. The action plan provides a good start but there are plenty of challenges ahead to make the improvements we all want for local learners. I am pleased to offer you my support and encouragement in driving forward implementation."

Tony Thornley, Education Bradford's director of strategy, said: "I am delighted Ivan Lewis has said so many encouraging things about the 14 to 19 action plan and that they found it an excellent starting point to tackling the issues involved. We feel our response to the inspection has been very positive and that we have come up with interesting and innovative strategies linked to a set of tough targets to bring about the improvements needed."

The Ofsted inspection took place in January 2002, followed by publication of the report in May. Responsibility for drawing up a response lies with The Learning and Skills Council which now funds post-16 education and training.