The Co-Operative Academies Trust

Who We Are & What Makes Us Different

Co-op Academies Trust is one of the North’s leading multi-academy trusts, committed to transforming communities through ethical education. Our network of 38 schools across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Merseyside, Staffordshire, and Stoke is united behind the power of cooperation to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Everything we do is guided by our “Ways of Being Co-op”—be yourself always, do what matters most, show you care, and succeed together. Belonging to the Co-op means you’ll benefit from its legacy of putting pupils, people, and communities first.

Our Professional Development Institute (PDI) is dedicated to high-quality teacher training, tailored support throughout your career, and fostering a collaborative culture in every academy.

The Co-op Academies Trust Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme is driven by a commitment to immerse trainee teachers in school life from day one, providing practical, hands-on training both in and out of the classroom. We believe that high-quality Initial Teacher Training is the foundation for lifelong professional growth. ITT is not seen as a standalone phase, but as the starting point of our Trust’s “golden thread” of professional development - a seamless journey from Internship to Headship.

Testimonials

"The most special thing about working in a Co-op school is the values and ethos. The support from the PDI has been incredible, shaping my early teaching career and making me feel part of something bigger."

Abby Havercroft, ITT History Alumni, now ECT

The community of support, knowledgeable mentors, and shared purpose has been transformative for my career

Nefeli Kourou, ITT Primary 3-7 ECT