ONE of Bradford’s biggest schools and a neighbouring special school could soon be joining new academy trusts.

The Trustees of Southfield Grange Trust, which oversees the running of Southfield School and Grange Technology College are planning a period of consultation on the proposals, that will see the trust split up.

If approved the proposals will see the two schools continue their development under separate multi academy trusts while remaining co-located at the Little Horton campus.

Grange Technology College, which has over 1,800 pupils, was put into special measures last year after a critical Ofsted report.

The school has since been working with Guiseley School to improve standards, and these schools will come together as part of one of the proposed new trusts.

The proposals come after leaders at both schools had discussions with the Regional Schools Commissioner.

Help from Guiseley came from the school’s Head Paul Morrissey, who became Grange’s executive head and Deputy Head Alison Mander, now Grange’s head.

Since they started working with the school, Grange has received two positive monitoring inspections by Ofsted, with inspectors saying “effective action” was being taken to move out of special measures. The schools believe the trust will continue that improvement.

Operating under a new name, The Southfield Grange Trust will include Southfield School and run as a trust made up of local schools for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

It will contain Delius School in Barkerend, and other Bradford special schools will be invited to convert as academies and join the trust.

Trust Chief Executive, Dominic Wall said: “This development arises out of the significant changes made by the Trust, and the overall improvements achieved by staff and students of Grange, as well as the strong and growing reputation of Southfield School as a centre of excellence for special educational needs.

“The opportunity to continue these improvements under the existing executive leadership gives recognition to the successful steps taken, and the capacity for sustained improvement in both schools.”

The consultation begins on Monday when details will be shared at southfieldgrange.org.uk/consultation

Judith Kirk, Bradford Council’s deputy director for education, employment and skills said: “If these proposals move forward we hope it will support Grange Technology College continuing to progress by working with a secondary school with a strong track record of improvement and will also allow Southfield School to build on its strengths as a good school with outstanding features.”