CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has expressed dismay at new figures showing the widening gap between Britain’s best and worst areas for educational success.

The statistics were contained in a report by the University and College Union (UCU), and showed that areas with traditionally strong educational performance had improved, but areas at the bottom of the pile had shown academic decline.

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU, said: "This report shows the current divide between the haves and have nots is growing, with where you live largely determining your chance to educational success.”

Mr Timpson responded: "In some areas of London over 63% of people have a university qualification, but in Crewe and Nantwich only a quarter of people do.

"This kind of discrepancy is unacceptable.”

But he did highlight some good news to come out of the report, added: "The percentage of people in Crewe and Nantwich with no qualification whatsoever is just 9.7%, which is significantly below the national average.

“This is testament to some of the great schools we have in the area who are working hard, and have seen noticeable improvements year on year.”