Unique collaboration between local schools goes from strength to strength:

One In A Million Free School (OIAMFS), Bradford, and Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge, have enjoyed a unique collaboration since 2018, sharing best practice, resources and facilities, with Woodhouse Grove also formally agreeing to award two full Sixth Form Bursary places per annum to promising OIAMFS Year 11 leavers.

The special relationship between the two schools goes from strength to strength. This week, the Methodist Property Company, which owns the land on which Woodhouse Grove School is situated, has entered into a 30-year lease, giving OIAMFS term time access to sports facilities and changing rooms at Woodhouse Grove.

This move will provide OIAMFS with a permanent home from which to deliver its PE Curriculum and provide its pupils with enrichment opportunities. Meanwhile, monies generated from the lease will go towards Woodhouse Grove’s Bursary Fund, enabling more young people to access the outstanding education offered, as well as further improving facilities, benefiting both schools. In particular, a new changing room and covered netball court will add a weatherproof facility that will not only have a huge benefit to Woodhouse Grove students, who currently have over 30% of netball matches cancelled due to bad weather, but will also increase the capacity of the offering available to OIAMFS pupils.

James Lockwood, Headmaster at Woodhouse Grove, said:

“Over the last five years, Woodhouse Grove has very much enjoyed working with One In A Million Free School in a number of areas and our Bursary programme has been a particular success. It is one of our most cherished partnerships, and I am absolutely delighted that our relationship will be further cemented and enhanced by this long-term lease agreement. Educational partnerships between independent and state schools are an important aspect of school life and such collaborations mutually benefit whole school communities. This latest development is another tangible expression of the Grove’s commitment towards widening educational and sporting opportunities in the local area.”

Wayne Jacobs, Co-founder of One In A Million, Academy Trust Member and Charity CEO said:

“We are thrilled to have deepened our cherished relationship with Woodhouse Grove School. Our collaboration will wonderfully enrich our provision and curriculum, furthering the long-term vision for the school and greatly enhancing our student experience. We are excited for the development in our partnership. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our students, our school, and our Trust. We sincerely thank everyone involved for their support in making this innovative opportunity happen”.

Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP, Member of Parliament for the Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough constituency said:

“I am delighted to see Woodhouse Grove and OIAMFS further strengthening their existing partnership. Working together, schools can harness the talents and enthusiasm of teachers and students and we owe it to our children to collaborate, making the most of our capacity, resources and specialisms for as many young people as possible.”

Rt Hon Philip Davies MP, Member of Parliament for the Shipley constituency said: 

“I am delighted to see the strengthening of the relationship between Woodhouse Grove and One In A Million Free School. This is a wonderful partnership, which is good for both schools, and gives greater access to opportunity for disadvantaged pupils. It is a shining example of what private and state schools can achieve together, and I hope it will encourage similar collaborations across other schools.”