Why did you choose our trust programme?

I had visited Co-op Academy Belle Vue on work experience and thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I had been looking into ITT programmes at Sixth Form Colleges to teach A-Level History, but visiting the school made me reconsider. When I found out there was an opportunity to train to teach here I was excited at the prospect, so I decided to look into the course. I really liked the build up of teaching hours, the focused CPD sessions, and the 4-day teaching timetables. I felt the ease into the teaching world was more appropriate, as I was coming out of Higher Education Myself.

Why did you apply to Belle Vue and what has your experience been like?

Because of the work experience I had completed I knew that I wanted to train at Belle Vue. There is a sense of community that had been created and it was a team I wanted to be a part of. My experience has challenged me in new ways but it has been thoroughly enjoyable so far. Belle Vue has community dining where staff eat lunch with students, so it has been so lovely to get to know students that I don’t teach - just by eating with them at break. Since being here I have been taught how to play chess and read to Year 8 and 9 during their community reads period.

Why did you want to train to teach?

I have wanted to teach since my A-Levels as my A-Level history teacher was a huge inspiration to me and helped me overcome a lot of my academic challenges. I went from struggling with history to loving it and I wanted to help others find a love for history too.

During my Undergraduate History degree, I worked for a tutor company tutoring students in GCSE History, English Literature and English Language. This experience was definitely a catalyst for me to start looking at completing a PGCE. I enjoyed planning revision sessions for my students, but also delivering the sessions and getting to know them better.

What was the application and interview process like?

The application and interview process for the course was exciting and provided me with a new experience I hadn’t faced before. It was the first time I had ever experienced a formal interview process, as I had applied for university during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite my nerves for the interview, everyone at the Trust was so lovely and complimentary, I felt very welcome!

Were you supported before you started and how was induction?

I felt very supported before I started. The Co-op team were patient and flexible around my university exams when it came to filling out forms and getting certificates sent to them; this was reassuring during a very hectic time. The induction into the programme was such a positive experience. Getting to know everyone was lovely and getting a better understanding of what the next year would look like built up my excitement for the programme to start.

How have you found the first half term and our ITT curriculum?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first half term. I have found personal-growth alongside professional-growth and the experience has built an excitement inside me to become a teacher with QTS and all the fun things that come with it, like my own form class and even a classroom. The ITT curriculum has helped me settle gently into teaching and understand all the different elements that are taken into consideration when teaching. I feel like I have been able to make great progress through the support of the Co-op Academies Trust team!

Andy Quinn shares an insight into why he applied to join the Trust’s Train to Teach programme and what his first steps have been like:

"I decided to apply to the Trust’s Train to Teach programme after working abroad as a teaching assistant. I really enjoyed working with children, so I decided to make a career of it on returning to the UK.

This particular programme appealed to me because it was so school-centred. For me, a course with more school based training is preferable to a more theory based course. 

I applied to Co-op Academy Belle Vue primarily because of its location. However, I feel really lucky to have landed here! It’s an excellent school with an incredible culture and very supportive staff. I’ve learnt a huge amount in my first term. 

The application through the government website is reasonably straightforward. I used the free advisor service from the ‘get into teaching’ website, which was really helpful for my initial queries and application tips. 

The interview was challenging, as I think it should be. That said, what was expected of me was shared in advance and I was given a fair amount of time to prepare. 

Before starting in September, I was given opportunities to visit my first placement school to get a feel for what it would be like. I found this very welcoming and a really positive way to start. 

The course induction was very clear and helpful. The entire academic year is meticulously planned out for each trainee and everybody is given a pre-populated calendar, so they know exactly what they’ll be doing on any given day. The programme is very well organised and its leaders are extremely responsive. 

The first term has been a lot of work, but genuinely enjoyable and fulfilling. Teaching has been introduced to my timetable gradually, with lots of observation in the first few weeks.  The taught elements of the ITT curriculum have been interesting and useful in the classroom. And I’m able to implement the new things learnt under the supervision of a teacher later in the week, which is a really effective way to learn and progress. 

All in all, it’s been a great experience so far and I’m glad to have made this step in my chosen career path." 

I was inspired to apply for the Co-op Academies training course due to the exciting opportunities that this SCITT programme offered. After studying special educational needs and disability studies at university, I knew I was passionate about supporting learners with SEND. The fact that this course afforded me the chance to specialise in SEND as well as gaining QTS really encouraged me to apply. From the moment I interviewed for a place on the course, I felt supported and a sense of belonging from the SCITT leads and this support has continued as I have progressed onto the course and undertaken placements in different school settings.

The way that the course is arranged, allowing for direct classroom experience from the beginning of the school year, aided me as a trainee as I was able to gain insight into the transition of beginning a new term. This allowed me to build relationships with learners and colleagues from the start. My experienced school mentor was extremely supportive in helping me to implement the school's policies and deepen my subject knowledge of the primary curriculum. She assisted me in completing all relevant documentation and gathered evidence required from observations. Although these observations happened frequently, they were not intimidating due to the rapport I had been able to build with my mentor during my time on placement. This also allowed me to trial any strategies that I had learnt at subject knowledge days or during the PGCE sessions. Any feedback given is non-judgemental and advice is always given on how to implement new techniques into your practice as a trainee teacher. 

In addition to practical experience from the start of the course in your school placement, there are weekly sessions at Angel Square which cover a range of topics that enhance your development as a practitioner, pedagogically and in terms of subject knowledge. The frequency of these sessions has allowed our primary cohort to develop a real sense of community and understanding. As we have progressed through the course together, we have been able to build bonds and discuss strategies we've used in school to effectively develop our practice. These days are great opportunities to develop partnerships with professionals across the trust who are highly qualified and knowledgeable in their field. After meeting these professionals, they are approachable during visits to placement and clearly have the best interests of trainees at heart. This makes visits on placement and progress check-ins with them comfortable and reassuring. In particular, Claire Norcott who leads the primary ITT is a considerate, approachable and reassuring mentor. Nothing is too much of an ask for her and she is passionate about supporting all trainees throughout the programme. 

If you are looking for a SCITT course which provides a secure and holistic approach to trainee development, in addition to QTS and PGCE, I would highly recommend this course. I have already gained invaluable experience in both mainstream and SEND settings and I am excited to continue my journey in education thanks to the amazing team at Co-op Academies. 

"I chose Co-op Academies Trust because they have been supportive from day one. From the programme leaders, to the directors and teaching staff at my academy - this stood out to me. I wanted a programme that would support my best interests and provide the highest level of knowledge, both subject and pedagogy, ensuring I get the most out of my time. This includes being in the academy from day one (participating in inset days, parents’ evenings, and elective programmes). I wanted to be in a SCITT programme to gain valuable school experience and university pedagogy, which will help me when applying for jobs in the future.

My time at Co-op Academy Stoke allowed me to experience different educational and social cultures, enabling me to develop and enhance my understanding. I’ve had the chance to grow in the first term, learn different teaching methods by observing veteran teachers, and share experiences with ETCs and teachers in my department. The Stoke team worked with me to create a teaching schedule, letting me build my teaching hours while directing me to improve through training and professional development, within workshops and subject knowledge days. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to train, teach, and be mentored by the school staff.

Teaching was not my initial career plan, but after reflecting on my own school days, and one particular English teacher who’d taught me for 5 years, I was inspired to take this path. She was always supportive, spending extra time to ensure I progressed, and get to know my interests. She guided my decision to teach design technology due to the hands-on and creative nature of the subject. It engaged me beyond academic theory, which I thrived with, as many students do. I'll always remember how she significantly impacted my ability to improve in English, build confidence, and advance with the knowledge I gained. Her influence as my teacher went beyond the subject matter and made a huge difference in my life.

The application process was very straightforward and I applied to three different training programmes when the application portal opened. I recommend giving yourself ample time to focus on your undergraduate studies, knowing your place is secured for the following year. I was asked to choose a curriculum area and a preferred school for placement - providing peace of mind about where I'd be on day one.

A few days after applying, I was contacted by the Co-op team to schedule an interview with the head of teacher training and the headteacher of my selected school, alongside the design and technology director. It involved interview questions, a teaching demonstration, and a timed written exercise. Soon after, I received a call from the head of Initial teacher training (ITT) saying I'd secured a place on the course! The start of the journey that led me to where I am today.

In the lead-up to beginning the course, I felt supported and valued by everyone from the central team and academy staff. I visited the school before September, meeting the team and my mentor, who spent time discussing the curriculum and lesson delivery. I observed various lessons and toured the school, which was crucial for a strong start when term began.

I received a warm welcome to the Trust and programme, giving me a sense of belonging and positivity about the challenging year ahead. The introduction was welcoming, confirming I was in the right place for my teacher training year and hopeful future career.

My first term has been filled with emotions, but seeing how much I have grown since starting has been rewarding. Working in both the classroom and broader school settings has enabled me to build strong connections with staff and students. Through implementing the academy's assessment and marking policies, I have made positive progress in teaching, learning, and evaluating students. I have also developed effective lesson plans tailored to the diverse needs of learners, as directed by the national curriculum. 

In addition to teaching duties, I have gained valuable insights and taken on various extra responsibilities. These include attending parents’ evenings, contributing to whole school events, co-leading after-school electives, and actively pursuing opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD). I look forward to progressing to my next placement setting, where I can expand my teaching and learning, increase my teaching timetable, and implement more strategies for the classroom and beyond."

After applying to be a Teaching Assistant at Co-op Academy Failsworth last year, Demi Best tells us about her decision to join the Trust’s Train to Teach programme and how she found the experience:

“I initially applied to Co-op Failsworth Academy as a Teaching Assistant in 2022 as I hoped to gain experience in the classroom and decide whether a career in education was suitable for me. At the time, I was unsure whether I would prefer to teach Primary or Secondary age students - if I chose to teach at all - but I knew that I was interested in a career that was dynamic, purposeful and beneficial to my community.

Prior to working at Failsworth, I had no experience in a school environment. Though this was daunting, my colleagues in the SEND department were incredibly supportive and welcoming, as were those in the other departments across the academy. Throughout my experience as a Teaching Assistant, I felt like we shared common goals as a department, and all genuinely cared about the progress and wellbeing of the students we worked with. As a result, I decided to pursue a career in Secondary education, with the intention to train at Co-op Academy Failsworth if the opportunity arose.

When I started working at Co-op Academy Failsworth, I discussed my interest in teaching with the Headteacher, Phil Quirk. I originally intended to pursue a University Based route into teaching as I was not aware of the other possible routes. Phil is incredibly supportive of all his staff, champions our pursuits and often checked in with me and told me about new opportunities, such as the Teach First scheme and, later, the Co-op School Based ITT Programme. 

I was accepted onto the Teach First scheme, but I ultimately chose to train through the Co-op Academies Trust because of the support I had already received from the academy staff and diligence of the Trust’s ITT Team. I had heard horror stories about teaching from friends and online forums, but in light of my experiences as a teaching assistant, the excellent behaviour system that the school has in place, and its dedication to creating a learning culture throughout the school, I knew that a School Based route with Co-op Academies Trust was best suited to me.

I was supported by Andy Gibson, the Trust Head of Initial Teacher Training, throughout the application and interview process. The interview was not a daunting process and the staff involved made me feel comfortable which relaxed me and allowed me to perform well. I was accepted on the programme during the 2022/23 academic year and instantly supported by academy and Trust ITT staff regarding subject and pedagogical knowledge development. This was brilliant and enabled me to make a strong start in September 2023. I’m currently working through the salaried route of the Co-op ITT programme which meant I started teaching as soon as the academic year began. Though the prospect of teaching straight away was nerve-wracking, I definitely feel that this has benefitted my professional development and that I have been supported every step of the way. I began to understand the importance of building a positive and strong learning culture, lesson planning and developing a strong knowledge of the curriculum quickly due to constant exposure and practise. As a result, by the end of the first half term, I felt comfortable in the classroom and able to deliver lessons confidently with embedded teaching strategies to support my students.

I have now been offered a permanent position as an English teacher, and will continue my teaching journey at Co-op Academy Failsworth next September!”

Andy Gibson, Head of Early Career Framework and Initial Teacher Training, said: “Co-op Academies Trust are proud to work with Bright Futures SCITT as a Lead Provider to offer a first class School Based Initial Teacher Training programme, led by outstanding teaching professionals. The programme combines practical training, both in and outside of the classroom, grounded in research and evidence, with a curriculum designed to develop motivated, collaborative and learner-centred teachers who contribute effectively to our academies and the teaching profession.

It has been excellent working with Phil Quirk at Co-op Academy Failsworth to best support any member of staff in joining the profession. Demi works tirelessly to best provide a quality education for her students and help shape the lives of the young people she teaches. She is a valued and respected member of our teacher training cohort and we are proud to have her working with us as one of our Salaried Trainee Teachers. We are excited that she has been offered a permanent teacher role and will start as an Early Career Teacher with us in September 2024. 

As a Trust, we are investors in people and are proud to run our School Based ITT programme with recruitment and retention as one of our core principles. Demi is a shining example of our success in running a nurturing, challenging and supportive teacher training programme which ultimately provides high quality teachers for our dynamic trust.”

I had been a teaching assistant for a few years, working predominantly with children on the autistic spectrum. I had always planned on eventually training to become a teacher but actually found the Co-op Primary SEND teacher training programme by accident. What a case of serendipity that was! I have been carried along on an exciting journey developing both my classroom skills and subject knowledge with a fantastic team. Centre-based training is a hands-on approach which really allows you to grasp the concepts at hand, as well as the fundamental knowledge and skills that allow you to deliver the best teaching possible. My school placements have been wonderful with honest, open and supportive staff who are readily available for advice whenever needed. 

After being accepted onto Co-op Academies Train to Teach programme, Jane shares a glimpse into the inspiring story that led her to this career path:

“I grew up in a deprived area and understand the difficulties many face, from peer pressure at a young age, to making wrong decisions. I decided to apply to work in Co-op North Manchester, as this was the school I actually attended. What better way to make a difference than to work with young people who are being handed the same opportunities that I was! I want to show pupils that it is possible to succeed and guide them into making the best decisions for them. Working within a school environment is one of the most rewarding experiences, and since university I knew I wanted to pursue a career in education.

Many of my experiences have emanated from self-motivation and I want to encourage pupils to understand how a passion for art can be a worthwhile career choice. Co-op Academies Trust makes a real difference in pupils' lives, especially with the challenges they face, and I feel as though my ambition to care, guide and be a positive influence can contribute to the Trust’s ethos and values.

I began as a teaching assistant in the SEND department at Co-op Academy North Manchester, where I gained knowledge of various teaching methods that were appropriate for our pupils. It allowed me to understand individuals' development and learning, and just how important positive relationships are. The pupils I worked with were highly vulnerable and I learnt that skills such as active listening and verbal communication felt effortless to me, but had a huge impact on them. I find art a great outlet for adolescents who are struggling with the pressures of growing up, as it relieves stress and anxiety. Giving them the ability to healthily deal with problems, and provide a positive outlet that they can depend on, is essential. I knew teaching was something I wanted to get involved in, and I was even certain that I wanted to stay within the school as I felt my values aligned with theirs. 

During my appraisal at Co-op North Manchester, I was keen to express my passion for teaching, which led to submitting my application to ‘Train to Teach’. I had a zoom call with the Head of ECF with ITT (Andy Gibson) where the course, application, interview and expectations were explained clearly and I was given the opportunity to ask any questions that I was unsure about. After I was accepted, I had to present a one hour lesson based on a topic they provided. For me, I love being creative so this was my opportunity to showcase what I can produce to help pupils discover their own abilities, knowledge and creativity. After the interview, I received a phone call delivering the great news about being accepted, followed by some feedback, which is always good to hear.

I was invited to an induction during the summer at 1 Angel Square where I got to meet other people on the same course as me. It was really beneficial to hear about the year ahead and get prepared for September. I feel as though the ITT curriculum has been thoroughly thought through to enable me to succeed. Everybody has supported me from the moment I applied to Co-op North Manchester, into my teacher training, and I can’t be grateful enough for the experience. Sometimes just a ‘check in’ on your wellbeing really goes a long way and I feel as though the Trust staff really go the extra mile to show they care and that you are valued. 

My first half term has been exciting and fulfilling to see the constant growth within pupils and myself! I am learning every day, and being provided with many opportunities and resources to continue my professional development. I have weekly progress review meetings with my mentor, where I get to discuss my targets and learning focus which helps shape me into a high quality teacher. I am really looking forward to the rest of my career here at Co-op Academies Trust and would recommend the course to anybody looking to teach!” 

"I am training to teach in Secondary English through the Co-op Bright Futures SCITT programme. When I applied for my placements, Co-op Academies Trust stood out to me for a number of reasons. Mostly because I was aware of Co-op from my buying background and knew what a fantastic company they were to work for. I had colleagues who moved there and spoke so highly of Co-op and the company values.  

Co-op Academy Bebington is a school near to my home on the Wirral and I was aware of the school before I applied, due to my children playing football there. I had heard lots of positive comments about the school from people I know, so I did my research and felt that the school’s values aligned with my own. It felt like a great fit for my training programme. 

After a twenty year career in fashion buying, and after the pandemic, I felt that my priorities had changed and I wanted to start a new chapter in my professional life. The areas of my buying role that I enjoyed were training and supporting assistant members of the team, and since becoming a mum I really wanted to work with young people and have a positive impact on young people's lives. I had always loved English from my own academic life, and with some encouragement from friends and family who were in the teaching profession, I decided to put my heart and soul into becoming a teacher. 

The interview and application process was thorough from start to finish. I was so impressed with Co-op Academies Trust throughout the whole process as they were efficient, welcoming and organised. They responded to my application the day I applied and the interview was a week later. At the interview everything was structured, thorough and the team were professional but welcoming (which helped with my nerves). I found out the next day that I had been successful in securing a place. So, from application to securing a place it took just over a week, which was fantastic!

Since then, the support has been outstanding - Andy who runs the ECF department has made sure that all of the trainees feel valued and supported. The induction day was so well organised and all of our laptops were fully set up for us which helped to get us ready and organised for our school journeys. The programme runs like clockwork, which means that as a trainee you can focus on your training without worrying about admin / technical issues. The Trust also go above and beyond for their trainees with little gestures that mean so much. I am so happy that I chose to train with Co-op and would recommend them to anyone thinking of joining. 

The teacher training is hard work but so rewarding. It requires a lot of self confidence as there is a lot to take in, and you have to dig deep and reflect on your learning constantly.  The curriculum is detailed and structured but one of the best parts of the job is being able to put your own creativity into lesson planning, and adapting the lessons for your students to support their learning. I have learnt so much about myself in these three months and I am growing and developing every single day. The students are the best part of the job for me.  Making connections with the young people who I teach everyday is the reason I’m here.