The Co-op became the largest business sponsor of academies across Greater Manchester when The Swinton High School became the latest addition to the Co-op Academies Trust.

Now known as Co-op Academy Swinton, the Salford secondary is the fourth Greater Manchester academy in the Trust, that is supported by The Co-op, and brings the number of students supported to almost 4,000.

Frank Norris, Director of the Co-op Academies Trust, said “This is an important step forward for the Co-op Academies and I am delighted that Swinton has decided to be a part of our Trust.

“We carefully work with schools that have the drive and dedication to improve education through co-operation; and that was evident from our first meeting with Headteacher Mark Harrison and his team at Swinton.”

Mark Harrison said “Today is an exciting day for all of those involved with the school. We are always looking for ways in which we can improve the education and opportunities that our young people receive and joining the Co-op Academies Trust is a real boost for our students. They are a trust with a fantastic record of improving children’s life chances and they really focus on instiling values in children that matched very much with that of the school.”

The Co-op Academies Trust is made up of twelve academies across Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Staffordshire including Co-op Academy Failsworth in Oldham, The Co-operative Academy of Manchester in Blackley and Manchester Creative and Media Academy in Charlestown.