Over the last few years, education in the Bradford District has been through a period of radical change.   In 2001 Serco signed a 10 year contract the Council for the provision of education support services to the District's schools. This contract is the largest of its type to be awarded to a private sector provider in Europe to date - it involved the TUPE transfer of 1172 members of staff and has a full contract life value of £360 million.

Educational achievement levels in the Bradford District are now rising faster than the national average with excellent schools right across the District.  For example, in the inner city, Dixons CTC is ranked 21st nationally for GCSE results and, in Wharfedale, Ilkley Grammar is ranked 6th nationally for A level results.

For those choosing to live towards the north or west of the District, there are some excellent schools in the neighbouring authorities of North Yorkshire and Calderdale respectively.  There are also a number of well-respected independent fee-paying schools in and around the Bradford District.