Academies for the future

We don't just support our academies financially, but we develop strong and unique links with our business and their communities. Each Co-op Academy has a dedicated Academy Community Pioneer who works with the Trust and Co-op to give our pupils and students the chance to develop outside the classroom as much as they do inside. Our community team helps our academies build strong connections with the local community and support Co-op's goals of providing access to food, supporting mental wellbeing and creating opportunities for young people.

Many of our academies have thriving community hub spaces, community fridges, Eco clubs and offer a range of targeted support to their community members thanks to valued partnerships with external organisations and businesses.

At Co-op Academies Trust, professional development is at the heart of everything we do. Our Professional Development Institute (PDI) drives excellence by centralising and enhancing training opportunities for all staff. With a strong commitment to continuous growth, we offer a comprehensive CPD programme led by our central director team, covering teaching, leadership and operational practice.

As part of the PDI, our successful Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, prepares passionate, learner-centred teachers to thrive in the classroom. We not only invest in our own people but also contribute meaningfully to the wider education sector. By nurturing talent at every level, we’re building a culture of collaboration, and professional excellence that benefits staff, students and communities alike.

We provide a broad, balanced, inspiring and challenging curriculum for our students.

Our students participate in a range of unique experiences and Trust-led events to challenge and inspire one another. While our sponsor, Co-op provides access to business expertise and many learning opportunities for the children and young people we serve underpinned by Co-op values including careers related learning activity, leadership development programmes and engagement with a wide range of partners and suppliers such as Co-op Live!

Alongside the huge talent in our academies, our central team brings a wealth of experience and practical knowledge. The Trust’s central team includes members who have been successful school leaders, former Senior HMI and current Ofsted inspectors, and experts in finance, governance, human resources and communications and marketing.