Schools wage winning battle

Schools in one of the most deprived urban areas of Britain are havens of civilisation and educational endeavour, says an inspectors' report published yesterday, writes Judith Judd.

Schools in Manningham, Bradford, scene of last year's riots, contain well-motivated children and committed staff, who believe in the possibility of improvement and in working hard to effect it, the inspectors said.

The main problems identified were the poor grasp of English of many Asian pupils, and a high level of absenteeism caused by long visits abroad to see relatives.