Inequalities in Britain's schools have continued to grow under Labour, education watchdog Ofsted has said.

David Bell, the chief inspector of schools, said: "Since 1996, the socio-economic attainment gap has widened in secondary schools. We must look again, urgently, at how to close the gap in achievement between youngsters in the most deprived areas and elsewhere."

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Dr Mary Bousted, ATL's general secretary, said: "ATL supports the head of Ofsted, as there are no quick-fix solutions.

"A key issue for schools in difficulties is their intake - a balanced intake of pupils from all social groups is needed if schools are to make significant and steady progress.

"This is the aim towards which government policy should be working."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "David Bell has put his finger on the flaws in government policy towards inner city schools. There are no quick fixes. Simply inventing new types of school will not change underlying realities.

"Schools in the toughest areas need long term investment. Schools need encouragement and support, not naming and shaming and constant accusations of failure.

"These schools are forced to employ large numbers of overseas teachers resulting in high staff turnover. There is persistent mobility of pupils many of whom have English as an additional language. In these circumstances the schools need support not destructive criticism.

"I urge the government to listen and bring forward a positive and supportive policy which involves extra resources for the young people and school communities that need them most."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, PAT general secretary, said: "If the recent massive injection of funding into parts of London proves successful in combating under-achievement and social and educational deprivation, we hope that it might become a blueprint for the future that can spread elsewhere and thus go some way towards meeting David Bell's concerns."