AN academy chain has significantly grown after the addition of six schools in Bradford and Keighley.

Northern Star Academies Trust (NSAT) announced it has expanded its numbers from overseeing nine schools to 15, with three settings from Bradford and three from the wider district joining the ranks.

All six are primary schools and were previously part of the Nurture Academies Trust.

These are:

  • Byron Primary School, Barkerend Road
  • Lapage Primary School, Barkerend Road
  • Meadow Bank Community School (formerly known as Fearnville Primary School), Fearnville Drive
  • Denholme Primary School, Minorca Mount
  • Parkwood Primary School, Parkwood Street, Keighley
  • Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, Keighley

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Byron Primary School, Barkerend RoadByron Primary School, Barkerend Road (Image: Google Street View)

The aim of the move is "to deepen collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive educational excellence".

NSAT already runs two schools in Keighley - Holycroft Primary School and Nursery and Eastwood Community School - as well as a primary school and secondary school in Skipton, and four primary schools and one secondary school in Harrogate.

The group - which was founded in 2015 - educates around 7,000 children and young people across those settings.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jenn Plews, CEO of Northern Star Academies Trust (NSAT)Jenn Plews, CEO of Northern Star Academies Trust (NSAT) (Image: NSAT)

NSAT CEO, Jenn Plews, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome these six primary schools to our trust partnership.

"Together we will build upon the strong foundations of these schools by sharing best practice, fostering collaboration and innovation amongst our staff and creating exciting and enriching learning opportunities for our pupils.  

“Our Trust partnership now brings together 1,000 education professionals in North and West Yorkshire, giving us the opportunity to draw upon a diverse pool of knowledge and expertise that will allow us to consistently deliver the highest standards of education.

"By working together, we can achieve far more for young learners in our region.”  

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Denholme Primary School, Minorca MountDenholme Primary School, Minorca Mount (Image: Google Street View)

The newest schools to join the NSAT family will now be supported to build ambitious school development plans in line with the NSAT Promise, to deliver an excellent education to Nurture, Sustain, Aspire and Thrive.

Parents, carers and pupils can also look forward to an increasing focus on environmental sustainability.

NSAT’s forward-facing Green Curriculum Promise places the environment and stewardship of the planet at the forefront of school life.