AN inner-city Bradford primary school has joined an academy trust and changed its name. 

The former St Mary’s and St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, in Upper Nidd Street, off Leeds Road is now part of the Co-op Academies Trust.

It opened under its new name of Co-op Academy Penny Oaks on September 1.

The school has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted since July 2016, with its last full inspection coming in December last year.

It was described in a report from that visit as “an oasis at the heart of the community” where “diversity is welcomed and celebrated” and children are happy.

There were 207 pupils on the school roll at the time of that inspection.

St Mary’s and St Peter’s Catholic Primary School is the 32nd to join the Co-op Academies Trust, which operates across the north of England.

The aim of the move is to secure the school’s future for the long term, giving assurances to the local community.

The Co-op Academies Trust has six other schools under its banner in Bradford and 14 schools across West Yorkshire in total.

This includes the nearby Co-op Academy Delius, which is also rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, as well as:

  • Co-op Academy Southfield, in Haycliffe Lane - ‘good’
  • Co-op Academy Grange, in Haycliffe Lane - ‘inadequate’
  • Co-op Academy Princeville, in Willowfield Street – N/A
  • Co-op Academy Beckfield, in Tyersal Walk - ‘requires improvement’
  • Co-op Academy Parkland, in Old Park Road – ‘requires improvement’

Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said: “Co-op Academy Penny Oaks will bring expertise and experience to our Trust, and benefit from the wealth of experience across our network of schools.

“As a Trust we believe in clusters of schools working within regions in close proximity supporting and challenging each other.

“This school is passionate, diverse, and community focussed - fitting perfectly with our Trust’s co-operative values.

“We’re thrilled to welcome them and to be working together.”

Michelle Khambhaita, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Penny Oaks, added: “This community needs great schools and we’re so proud to offer our children a strong education.

“By joining the Co-op Academies Trust we join a network with service and community at the centre of their approach to education.

“We know that this will bring great opportunities to our students, families and our community for years to come.”