Experience life as a teacher in a supportive, values-driven school while getting paid and building your CV for future ITT applications.

Earn while you explore teaching

You'll be paid £455 per week for three weeks while gaining structured classroom experience in a Co-op Academy.

3 weeks of LEARN · EXPLORE · APPLY

Our 15‑day programme is built around essential teaching competencies, progressing from observation to team teaching and supported solo teaching.

Mentoring from subject experts

Work with experienced subject mentors, join department meetings, and receive weekly professional development and feedback on your teaching.

Stronger applications for ITT

Interns receive guidance on Get Into Teaching events, School Experience days and guaranteed interviews when applying for our Trust ITT programmes.

The internship runs Monday 22 June to Friday 10 July 2026 and follows a clear progression from learning about teaching to leading learning in the classroom.

Week 1 - LEARN & EXPLORE

Focused on the foundations

• Trust and academy induction, safeguarding and building positive relationships
• Training in behaviour management and school routines
• Subject-specific CPD sessions led by expert practitioners
• Observation of lessons with a focus on behaviour, assessment and pace
• Supporting in classrooms as a teaching assistant and beginning your reflective journal

Week 2 - EXPLORE & APPLY

Developing your teaching

• Professional development on lesson planning and curriculum pedagogy
• Team teaching with your subject mentor, gradually taking more responsibility
• Planning and delivering segments of lessons with feedback and coaching
• Starting to design careers resources to inspire pupils in your subject
• Continuing observations to see effective practice across the school

Week 3 - APPLY & REFINE

Leading learning with support

• Training on pastoral roles and adaptive teaching for SEND, EAL, PP and high-attaining pupils
• Solo teaching with your mentor present to support and provide feedback
• Completing your subject careers resource and presenting it to staff or pupils
• Final evaluation, reflection activities and celebration with the internship cohort
• Guidance on applying for ITT and next steps in your teaching journey

Internships are available across our Co-op Academies in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Yorkshire and Stoke & Staffordshire. 

Greater Manchester

Co-op Academy Manchester
Co-op Academy Failsworth
Co-op Academy Walkden
Co-op Academy Swinton
Co-op Academy North Manchester
Co-op Academy Belle Vue
Connell Co-op College

Merseyside

Co-op Academy Bebington

West Yorkshire

Co-op Academy Leeds
Co-op Academy Priesthorpe
Co-op Academy Grange

Stoke & Staffordshire

Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams

The programme is aimed at STEM and Languages undergraduates who are curious about teaching and want meaningful classroom experience before applying for ITT.

• You are currently studying a STEM or Languages degree (including joint honours)

• You are in your second or final year of undergraduate study, or studying for a related master's degree

• You are interested in teaching secondary pupils and want to explore this as a career

• You can commit to the full 3‑week programme from 22 June to 10 July 2026

• You are eligible to work in the UK and able to complete required safeguarding checks

The internship is the first step on our Internship to Headship pathway, developed by the Professional Development Institute to support colleagues from their first classroom experience through to senior leadership.

Step 1: Teaching Internship

School-based experience, mentoring and structured CPD in a Co-op Academy.

Step 2: Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Opportunities to strengthen subject knowledge where appropriate.

Step 3–5: ITT & Early Career Teacher

Initial Teacher Training, Qualified Teacher Status and Early Career Teacher entitlement.

Step 6–9: NPQ & Junior Leadership

Early Career Training Programme, NPQs and junior leadership responsibilities.

Step 10–13: Senior & Executive Leadership

Internal leadership programmes leading towards Head of Department, Headteacher and Executive Headteacher roles.

Applications are made online and take around 10–15 minutes to complete. We recommend applying early as places are limited at each academy.

1. Click "Apply now" to open the short online application form in a new tab.

2. Tell us about your degree, year of study, preferred region and subject(s) you'd like to teach.

3. Answer a small number of questions about why you are interested in teaching and the Co‑op Academies Trust.

4. Submit your application. Our team will review it and contact you about next steps, which may include a short conversation or online interview.
    

Do I need prior school experience?

No. The internship is designed for undergraduates who may not have been in a classroom since school. We scaffold your experience from observation to supported teaching.

Is the internship full-time?

Yes. You will be in school Monday to Friday across the three weeks, following the normal school day in your host academy.

Will this help with my ITT application?

Yes. You will leave with evidence of classroom experience, reflections on teaching and direct support on how to apply for ITT, including guaranteed interviews for our Trust ITT programmes.

Can I apply if I am not in a STEM or Languages degree?

The funded Teaching Internships Programme is targeted at specific subjects. If you are unsure whether your degree is eligible, please still complete the form and we will review your application.

What expenses are covered?

You'll receive £455 per week for 3 weeks (£1,365 total). Travel and accommodation costs are your responsibility, so consider applying to academies within commuting distance of your university or home.

When will I hear back about my application?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You should hear back within 2-3 weeks of submitting your application. We recommend applying early as places are limited.

To be considered for this internship, interns must be a STEM or Languages undergraduate currently attending university in any year of study or be completing a closely related degree with a strong A Level in the subject they are applying for. The internship is best suited to those who have an interest in teaching as a career. Interns are required to complete a short application and will be invited to an interview which includes:

• Preparation of a short task regarding your chosen subject
• A formal interview with our Teaching Internship team

Safeguarding and recruitment checks will be completed for all successful applicants.
Teaching Interns are expected to commit to the entire three-week placement with dates fixed as Monday 23rd June - Friday 11th July 2025.