The school building opened its doors to pupils in November 2024, with the Minister officially opening the school in a special ceremony marking a proud milestone in the academy’s journey.

In a celebration that brought together key figures from government, education and the co-operative movement, the day recognised Co-op Academies Trust’s mission to improve and transform education for all pupils including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Minister McKinnell was joined by Co-op Academies Trust CEO Chris Tomlinson, Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq and invited dignitaries from Leeds City Council, including the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of Co-op Academy Brierley alongside Catherine McKinnell MP. The academy stands as a beacon of opportunity and aspiration for our young people in the community.

“It is clear that the values of cooperation, inclusion and ambition are at the heart of the school's ethos. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing this wonderful new facility to life in the Burmantofts & Richmond Hill Ward, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on pupils, families, and the wider community for years to come.”

Co-op Academy Brierley is a specialist school for children aged 5 to 16 with a wide range of identified special educational needs including Complex Communication needs, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

Named after Eliza Brierley, the first female member of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers and a trailblazer in the co-operative movement, the school honours her legacy through its inclusive values and focus on community-led education.

Headteacher of Co-op Academy Brierley, Sarah Harridge, said: “For many of our students, Co-op Academy Brierley is the first school where they feel truly safe and excited to learn. After often difficult or negative past experiences with education, they are now attending regularly and thriving.

"We are incredibly proud of the nurturing, ambitious environment we’ve built and honoured to share this special day with Minister Catherine McKinnell and our wider community.”

Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said: “Co-op Academy Brierley is a shining example of how education can be both inclusive and aspirational. Our goal is to give every young person the opportunity to thrive, and this school is already making that vision a reality for children who need it most.




“It was a pleasure to welcome Catherine McKinnell MP to officially open the academy. I’m incredibly proud of the staff team and the incredible work they’ve done since the school opened.”