Parkland Primary School today became the latest Bradford school to join an academies trust run by one of the UK’s biggest businesses.

The school has joined the Co-op Academies Trust which runs eight other academies in West Yorkshire, including Co-op Academy Beckfield which was a Leeds Local Authority School but has a Bradford postcode.

The school, which will be known as Co-op Academy Parkland following, is the latest to join the rapidly growing Trust, following a £3.6m investment by the Co-op group earlier in the year.

Georgina Graham, Headteacher, said “This is a very exciting day for Parkland. We’ve been working closely with the Co-op for a while and it’s great to officially become a member of the family.”

“I want to thank everyone at Parkland for being so supportive throughout this process and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for the new academy.”

Frank Norris, Director of the Co-op Academies Trust, said “Our aim is to increase the number of children benefiting from our unique educational offer so that we can play a significant role in helping to drive up standards. We have shown that Co-op values and principles are highly effective in driving positive culture and behaviour and  I am confident that Parkland will benefit from our unique approach.”

Changes to uniform and signage will be phased in over the coming months and no parent or carer will be out of pocket by the change of name.