The rapidly expanding Co-op Academies Trust became the most diverse multi-academy trust in the country today when it adopted two special schools in Bradford.

Following the acquisition of the Trust’s first special schools, Co-op Academy Southfield and Co-op Academy Delius, the Co-op now educates more than 15,000 students with a full range of abilities from early years to sixth form at 23 academies and colleges across northern England.

Grange Technology College (Co-op Academy Grange) that sits next to Co-op Academy Southfield in Haycliffe Lane, Bradford has also joined the Co-op from today.

The Trust, which operates academies in some of the most economically challenged areas in the UK, is made up of 10 primaries, 10 secondaries and a sixth form college as well as the two new special schools.

Frank Norris, Director of the Co-op Academies Trust, said: “I strongly believe that our diversity is a strength. These two new special schools have strong leadership and highly qualified specialist and dedicated staff that means we now have an overall 2-19 SEND provision which can only benefit our Trust as a whole.”

“The Co-op also has a purpose beyond making a profit, and supporting schools is seen as part of its community engagement and support. Indeed, a good school can do so much to enhance an area for all those living there.

“Our Trust has demonstrated that co-operative values and principles, strong governance and the ability to leverage the support of the Co-op in areas such as brand, communications, HR, property, insurance and IT, can have a dramatic impact on school improvement.

“Co-op colleagues serve as school governors and provide mentoring and careers advice along with work placement support.”

Dominic Wall, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Southfield, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Co-op Academies Trust. It has a proven track record of supporting and improving schools and so everyone is really excited about the future.”

Sally Joy, Head Teacher at Delius, said: “We already have a good working relationship with Southfield Special School and I am sure that will be strengthened still further now we are both part of the Co-op Academies Trust.”