A chess academy which helps children learn new skills and improve their behaviour is expanding to work with more schools across north Bradford.

Bradford Council’s Bradford North Area Committee has awarded the Renaissance Academy £25,000 to build on its success with schools.

The coaches have been showing children how to play chess at Park Primary Pupil Referral Unit, Ellar Carr Pupil Referral Unit, Lower Fields Primary School, Byron Primary School, Holybrook Primary School, and Horizons Behaviour Unit. In the next few months, thanks to the extra funding, they will be working with schools in Bradford North.

Charles Wood, managing director of the Renaissance Academy, said: “We teach chess in a graphic way and make it exciting. It teaches them to concentrate and they have a better relationship with their teachers.”