<![CDATA[Co-op Academies Trust News Feed - News]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk%2Fstories Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:32:00 GMT Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:32:00 GMT <![CDATA[ Co-op Academy Glebe to lead Reception Network across Stoke and Staffordshire ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/glebe-to-lead-reception-network We’re really proud to share that Co-op Academy Glebe has been chosen as a Lead School in the Department for Education’s new Reception Networks programme.

]]> Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:32:00 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/glebe-to-lead-reception-network <![CDATA[ Celebrating Creativity at the annual Poetry Festival ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/celebrating-creativity-at-the-annual-poetry-festival Pupils from across the Trust recently came together for an incredible day of performance and creativity at our Trust-wide Poetry Festival.

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:37:52 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/celebrating-creativity-at-the-annual-poetry-festival <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies Trust Shortlisted for Two National Awards ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-academies-trust-shortlisted-for-two-national-awards We’re really pleased to share that our Trust has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 MAT Excellence Awards:

  • SEND Award
  • Community Trust of the Year
]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:07:32 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-academies-trust-shortlisted-for-two-national-awards <![CDATA[ Young writers take centre stage at The Lowry​​​​​​​ ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/young-writers-take-centre-stage-at-the-lowry Students from Co-op Academy Grange, Co-op Academy North Manchester and Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent recently took part in the Young Writers Festival North at The Lowry.

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:29:44 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/young-writers-take-centre-stage-at-the-lowry <![CDATA[ Sony Music and Nectar Woode inspire students at Co-op Academy Belle Vue ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/sony-music-and-nectar-woode-inspire-students-at-co-op-academy-belle-vue Students at Co-op Academy Belle Vue had a day to remember when Sony Music and artist Nectar Woode visited the school as part of the Beyond the Instrument programme.

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:21:46 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/sony-music-and-nectar-woode-inspire-students-at-co-op-academy-belle-vue <![CDATA[ Students inspired to think more sustainably at Eco Conference ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/academy-students-lead-the-way-at-first-ever-co-op-live-eco-conference Students and pupils from across our Trust recently came together for an exciting day of learning at the Co-op Live arena. This was the first time the annual Eco Conference was held at the world-class venue, bringing together 98 young people from 16 different academies. It was a fantastic chance for our students to learn how small changes can make a big difference to our planet.

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:30:43 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/academy-students-lead-the-way-at-first-ever-co-op-live-eco-conference <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies Trust Spelling Bee crowns Primary and Secondary champions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-academies-trust-spelling-bee-crowns-primary-and-secondary-champions Students from across Co-op Academies Trust came together today for our Trust Spelling Bee Final, showcasing their spelling skills, teamwork and nerves of steel in front of a lively audience.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:33:46 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-academies-trust-spelling-bee-crowns-primary-and-secondary-champions <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies harness solar power to cut energy bills​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-academies-harness-solar-power-to-cut-energy-bills Several Co-op Academies are now generating clean, renewable energy thanks to newly installed solar panels funded by the UK Government and Great British Energy.

]]> Fri, 6 Mar 2026 15:15:18 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-academies-harness-solar-power-to-cut-energy-bills <![CDATA[ Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams Celebrates Official Opening with Community Gala ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/florence-macwilliam-opening-gala Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams marked its opening this week with a community gala held at its new £32 million campus in Stoke-on-Trent.

]]> Tue, 3 Mar 2026 14:21:43 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/florence-macwilliam-opening-gala <![CDATA[ Using tech to do the right thing: GoIT finals 2026 ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/goit-finals-2026 The events were full of bright ideas, tech talent, and a real passion for protecting our planet as primary pupils from across our Trust came together for this year’s GoIT finals. 

]]> Tue, 3 Feb 2026 16:36:11 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/goit-finals-2026 <![CDATA[ Co-op Young Leaders Programme Update ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-young-leaders-programme-update We are pleased to share a positive update on the continued growth and impact of the Co-op Young Leaders programme this academic year. So far, six academies have received Co-op Young Leaders training, demonstrating strong engagement across the Trust.

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:39:49 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-young-leaders-programme-update <![CDATA[ Primary pupils shine at KS2 dodgeball event at Co-op Academy Walkden ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/primary-pupils-shine-at-ks2-dodgeball-event-at-co-op-academy-walkden Pupils from three primary schools came together at Co-op Academy Walkden for a fun, fast-paced KS2 dodgeball event that celebrated teamwork, confidence and enjoyment of sport.

]]> Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:31:17 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/primary-pupils-shine-at-ks2-dodgeball-event-at-co-op-academy-walkden <![CDATA[ Ofsted recognises positive outcomes for pupils at Clarice Cliff ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/clarice-cliff-ofsted We’re delighted to share the outcome of Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff’s recent November Ofsted inspection. ]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:26:17 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/clarice-cliff-ofsted <![CDATA[ WPA Foundation funding helps Co-op academies boost sport, play and wellbeing ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/wpa-foundation-funding-helps-co-op-academies-boost-sport-play-and-wellbeing Support from the WPA Foundation is helping Co-op academies across the Trust invest in sports and outdoor equipment, giving children and young people more chances to be active, confident and healthy.

]]> Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:40:22 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/wpa-foundation-funding-helps-co-op-academies-boost-sport-play-and-wellbeing <![CDATA[ HR colleagues come together to shape the future of our people strategy ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/hr-colleagues-come-together-to-shape-the-future-of-our-people-strategy HR colleagues from across Co-op Academies Trust came together at Angel Square for our annual HR Conference, focusing on inclusion, collaboration and the future of the colleague experience.

]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:16:34 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/hr-colleagues-come-together-to-shape-the-future-of-our-people-strategy <![CDATA[ Christmas gift collections bring support to Co-op Academies communities ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/christmas-gift-collections-bring-support-to-co-op-academies-communities Co-op Academies Trust’s Community Team, working alongside Co-op colleagues and partners, has helped thousands of children and families feel supported this Christmas through a huge gift collection effort.

]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:16:00 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/christmas-gift-collections-bring-support-to-co-op-academies-communities <![CDATA[ Recognition Awards 2025 ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/recognition-awards-2025 Colleagues from across Co-op Academies Trust gathered at Aintree Racecourse on Friday 28 November for our 2025 Recognition Awards. The evening brought together staff from all 38 academies to celebrate the people who make our Trust such a special place to learn and work.

]]> Tue, 9 Dec 2025 14:43:50 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/recognition-awards-2025 <![CDATA[ TCS Co-op Supplier Support for Academies ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/tcs-co-op-supplier-support-for-academies Students and families across several Co-op academies have received much-needed stationery, hygiene items and play resources thanks to the generosity of colleagues at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The donations will help create calmer starts to the school day and remove simple barriers to learning.

]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2025 16:20:46 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/tcs-co-op-supplier-support-for-academies <![CDATA[ Primary pupils shine at Priesthorpe’s Sports Hall Athletics morning ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/primary-pupils-shine-at-priesthorpes-sports-hall-athletics-morning Co-op Academy Priesthorpe welcomed 48 Year 5 and 6 pupils from Co-op Academy Parkland, Co-op Academy Beckfield and Co-op Academy Princeville for a lively morning of athletics on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2025 15:41:20 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/primary-pupils-shine-at-priesthorpes-sports-hall-athletics-morning <![CDATA[ Medlock pupils champion safer streets and cleaner air​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/medlock-pupils-champion-safer-streets-and-cleaner-air Co-op Academy Medlock was featured on BBC One North West on 19 December, shining a spotlight on their ongoing campaign for safer roads and improved air quality in the community.

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:23:44 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/medlock-pupils-champion-safer-streets-and-cleaner-air <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies and The Hacking Games Inspire Students to Use Digital Skills for Good ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-academies-and-the-hacking-games Co-op Academies Trust has partnered with The Hacking Games to launch the first in a series of Inspire Sessions, designed to help young people use their digital talent positively and explore ethical career paths in cybersecurity!

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:31:43 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-academies-and-the-hacking-games <![CDATA[ Team GB athletes inspire students at Co-op Academy Swinton breakfast club ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/team-gb-athletes-inspire-students-at-co-op-academy-swinton-breakfast-club Olympians Eve Muirhead and Laura Deas spent the morning meeting pupils at Co-op Academy Swinton, sharing stories from their sporting journeys and encouraging students to aim high.

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:30:13 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/team-gb-athletes-inspire-students-at-co-op-academy-swinton-breakfast-club <![CDATA[ Science Technician Wins The Salters’ Technician Award ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/science-technician-wins-the-salters-technician-award We’re delighted to celebrate John Dilger, Senior Science Technician at Co-op Academy Grange, who has been recognised nationally with The Salters’ Technician Award. This is one of the highest honours for school science technicians in the UK.

]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:37:34 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/science-technician-wins-the-salters-technician-award <![CDATA[ 100 CPD Sessions Delivered as Trust Launches Common INSET Day ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/common-inset-day On Monday 10 November, colleagues from every Co-op academy came together for our first ever Trust-wide Common INSET Day, a landmark moment in our shared commitment to professional growth and collaboration.

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:39:10 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/common-inset-day <![CDATA[ A warm welcome for Co-op Academy Brierley! ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/a-warm-welcome-for-co-op-academy-brierley Staff from Co-op Academy Brierley joined colleagues from across the Trust at One Angel Square on Friday 7 November, marking the start of their journey as part of the Co-op Academies Trust.

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:49:04 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/a-warm-welcome-for-co-op-academy-brierley <![CDATA[ How Bunzl’s generosity is making a difference in our academies ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/bunzls-generosity-making-a-difference A generous donation of £100,000 worth of kitchen equipment is helping Co-op Academies students learn, play, and create in new ways - thanks to a brilliant partnership between Co-op, Bunzl, and our Trust.

]]> Thu, 6 Nov 2025 16:55:45 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/bunzls-generosity-making-a-difference <![CDATA[ Students add up to success at Trust-wide maths revision days ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/students-add-up-to-success-at-trust-wide-maths-revision-days Year 11 students from across Co-op Academies Trust came together this half term for special maths revision sessions at 1 Angel Square - designed to boost confidence and help them aim high in their GCSE exams.

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:33:33 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/students-add-up-to-success-at-trust-wide-maths-revision-days <![CDATA[ HH Global and Co-op Academies Trust: a partnership making a real difference ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/hh-global-and-co-op-academies-trust At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe in the power of partnership to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. An exciting example of this comes through our collaboration with HH Global - a company whose social action mirrors our own commitment to co-operation, opportunity, and fairness.

]]> Thu, 6 Nov 2025 15:50:36 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/hh-global-and-co-op-academies-trust <![CDATA[ Co-op Academy Portland awarded Gold for inspiring pupils about their futures ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-academy-portland-awarded-gold-for-inspiring-pupils-about-their-futures Co-op Academy Portland has been awarded the Gold Award in the Primary Futures Recognition Scheme, recognising the school’s inspiring work to help pupils dream big, explore future careers, and connect classroom learning with the wider world.

]]> Tue, 4 Nov 2025 09:15:50 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/co-op-academy-portland-awarded-gold-for-inspiring-pupils-about-their-futures <![CDATA[ Ten Co-op Academies chosen as Co-op Local Causes for 2025–26!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/ten-coop-academies-chosen-as-co-op-local-causes-for-202526 From sensory gardens to community fridges, ten Co-op Academies have been selected as official Co-op Local Causes, giving families, staff and neighbours the chance to make a difference simply by shopping.

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:01:14 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/ten-coop-academies-chosen-as-co-op-local-causes-for-202526 <![CDATA[ Connecting classrooms through competition and collaboration ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/connecting-classrooms-through-competition The new competition season got off to a fantastic start on Wednesday, 1 October, as 30 pupils from Co-op Academies Beckfield and Parkland took part in an exciting benchball session hosted at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe.

]]> Thu, 6 Nov 2025 15:50:58 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/connecting-classrooms-through-competition <![CDATA[ Clarice Cliff Makes the Finals for 2025 Primary School of the Year ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/clarice-cliff-primary-school-of-the-year We are delighted to announce that Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff, in Stoke-on-Trent, has been selected as a finalist in the Education Today Awards 2025. They have been shortlisted for the highly competitive Primary School of the Year.

]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:03:18 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/clarice-cliff-primary-school-of-the-year <![CDATA[ Students Explore Maths, Rockets and AI at Cambridge Summer Camp ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/maths-cambridge-summer-camp Ten of our talented Year 8 students spent part of their summer diving deep into the world of mathematics (and a little rocket science) at the Axiom Maths Summer Camp! It was held at Cambridge University’s Churchill College from 26–28 August.

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 14:37:16 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/maths-cambridge-summer-camp <![CDATA[ Sarah Lay Wins National Governance Award ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/national-governance-award We’re delighted to share that our Head of Governance, Sarah Lay, has been named Outstanding Lead Governance Professional at the National Governance Association’s (NGA) Outstanding Governance Awards 2025.

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 16:01:01 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/national-governance-award <![CDATA[ North Manchester Students Featured in National Poetry Publication ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/students-featured-in-national-poetry-publication Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:24:26 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/students-featured-in-national-poetry-publication <![CDATA[ Müller Announce Winners of "Design-a-Cow" Competition ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/muller-design-a-cow-competition Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:48:23 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/muller-design-a-cow-competition <![CDATA[ Co-op Academy Manchester's Royal Visit to the Natural History Museum ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/royal-visit-at-the-natural-history-museum What an incredible day for Co-op Academy Manchester! The school's Eco Club recently had the opportunity to travel to London for a special event at the Natural History Museum, where they met Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales. The visit was a brilliant showcase of the school's dedication to the environment and its role as a leader in a major national initiative.

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:30:10 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/royal-visit-at-the-natural-history-museum <![CDATA[ A First in 20 Years: Co-op Academy Parkland Secures 'Good' Ofsted ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/parkland-secures-good-ofsted Co-op Academy Parkland is celebrating a historic milestone after being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted for the first time in more than two decades. ]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:44:57 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/parkland-secures-good-ofsted <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies Trust Head of Governance recognised as national finalist ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/head-of-governance-finalist We are delighted to share the news that Sarah Lay, Head of Governance, has been named as a finalist in the National Governance Association (NGA) Outstanding Governance Awards 2025. ]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:45:02 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/head-of-governance-finalist <![CDATA[ Class of 2025 ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/class-of-2025 On behalf of the entire Co-op Academies Trust, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our ‘Class of 2025’.

]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:02:59 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/class-of-2025 <![CDATA[ How we're making work experience meaningful for young people ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/how-were-making-work-experience-meaningful-for-young-people Two senior leaders from Co-op Academies Trust have shared how they are transforming work experience to better support young people at risk of becoming NEET.

]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:42:34 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/how-were-making-work-experience-meaningful-for-young-people <![CDATA[ We’ve partnered with Müller UK & Ireland to share farm to fridge journey with our pupils ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/weve-partnered-with-mller-uk-and-ireland-to-share-farm-to-fridge-journey-with-our-pupils A partnership between Müller UK & Ireland, Co-op Academies Trust and The Country Trust is helping children learn more about the farming industry and how their favourite dairy products get from farm to fridge.

]]> Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:47:42 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/stories/weve-partnered-with-mller-uk-and-ireland-to-share-farm-to-fridge-journey-with-our-pupils <![CDATA[ Co-op and Sure’s host inspiring Euro 2025 football tournament​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-and-sures-host-inspiring-euro-2025-football-tournament To celebrate the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 competition, Co-op and Sure teamed up to host an exciting, Trust-wide girls' football tournament.

]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:09:24 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-and-sures-host-inspiring-euro-2025-football-tournament <![CDATA[ Co-op and Kellogg’s serve up an inclusive Sports Day for Co-op Academies Trust ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-and-kelloggs-serve-up-an-inclusive-sports-day-for-co-op-academies-trust Students from across the Trust come together for a Secondary Sports Day, made possible by a unique partnership between Co-op, Kellogg’s and Manchester City in the Community.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:13:46 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-and-kelloggs-serve-up-an-inclusive-sports-day-for-co-op-academies-trust <![CDATA[ Students champion social inclusion through our Time for Change programme ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/students-champion-social-inclusion-through-our-time-for-change-programme Twelve Co-op Academies came together this July to celebrate the powerful impact of youth-led social action as part of the Trust’s inaugural ‘Time for Change’ programme.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:06:16 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/students-champion-social-inclusion-through-our-time-for-change-programme <![CDATA[ Co-op and The Hacking Games announce planned pilot for Trust students ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-and-the-hacking-games-announce-planned-pilot-for-trust-students Through a new initiative to identify and redirect young cyber talent, Co-op Academies Trust is set to play a leading role to tackle the rising threat of cybercrime.

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:48:59 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/co-op-and-the-hacking-games-announce-planned-pilot-for-trust-students <![CDATA[ A Cut Above: Talented students deliver killer production of Sweeney Todd ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/talented-students-deliver-killer-production-of-sweeney-todd Ten Manchester-based Co-op Academy schools came together this July to deliver an unforgettable production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:10:17 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/talented-students-deliver-killer-production-of-sweeney-todd <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies host their own Big Lunch celebrations ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/big-lunch-celebrations Throughout June, academies across our Trust proudly took part in The Big Lunch, a nationwide initiative supported by the Co-op and led by Eden Project Communities. 

]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:26:48 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/big-lunch-celebrations <![CDATA[ Over 500 Students Inspired by Co-op Academies’ Reach Programme ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/reach-programme Now in its fifth year, our Reach careers programme continues to make a powerful impact.
More than 500 students from all Co-op Academy secondaries have so far taken part in the programme that ensures students develop vital employability skills.
]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:40:59 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/reach-programme <![CDATA[ Co-op Academies Trust holds first-ever Data Protection Conference ]]> https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/first-ever-data-protection-conference On Friday 27 June, Co-op Academies Trust held its inaugural Data Protection Conference at 1 Angel Square in Manchester.

]]> Thu, 3 Jul 2025 14:14:55 GMT https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/first-ever-data-protection-conference