A Bradford school is re-opening as an academy in a move which should secure key funds to improve its buildings.

Having been granted Govern-ment approval, Aire Valley School, in Nab Wood, Cottingley, will reopen as Aire Valley Academy in January.

It will be sponsored by Bradford College and the partnership will allow the academy to offer a wider choice of vocational courses to sixth form students, such as hairdressing and motor vehicle training.

The college will be able to place student teachers in the academy and they will be involved in student mentoring and teaching groups to help improve attainment, particularly in maths.

The additional staff would allow the academy to run extra after-school and holiday lessons for GCSE pupils.

The academy would be directly funded by the Department for Education (DfE), instead of via Bradford Council. It would have more control over its finances, curriculum and staff’s terms and conditions.

Head teacher Elaine Shoe-smith said the level of funding would be assessed by the DfE and some of it is expected to be spent on replacing the school’s leaky roof.

“We’re excited about the future and are looking forward to even further improvements taking place in the months and years ahead. We see this very much as a partnership with Aire Valley, offering opportunities to the college as well as the college supporting the school,” she said.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A