Professional Development Institute (PDI)
At the Co-op Academies Trust Professional Development Institute (PDI), we believe learning never stops - for adults as much as for children.
Our PDI brings together the experience, ideas and expertise from across our Trust to support the growth of everyone who works with us. It’s about building confidence, sharing what works, and helping people do their best work every day.
Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.
Learning that’s practical, purposeful and people-centred
Since 2020, we’ve built a strong and growing professional development offer shaped by the real experiences of our schools and teams. Our programmes focus on what matters most - great teaching, strong leadership and effective ways of working. They are designed to be useful, relevant and easy to apply.
We keep things clear, practical and rooted in day-to-day school life. No jargon. No box-ticking. Just thoughtful development that makes a difference.
Sharing what we know
We’re proud of the work happening across Co-op Academies Trust, and we believe in sharing it. That’s why the PDI also offers programmes for colleagues beyond our Trust.
By opening our learning to external delegates, we can share best practice, learn from others, and contribute to positive change across education.
Whether you’re part of our Trust or joining us from elsewhere, the PDI is here to support you to grow, connect and keep improving together.
Why Train With Us?
We believe great learning works best when it’s shared.
Training with Co-op Academies Trust means learning from real experience - from people working in schools every day, facing the same challenges and finding practical solutions that work.
We do this by:
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Bringing learning together in one place
Offering a central hub for high-quality professional development, designed and delivered by practitioners for the wider education community. -
Building a culture of continuous improvement
Supporting staff across our Trust to keep learning, reflecting and growing at every stage of their career. -
Opening our doors to others
Creating meaningful development opportunities for colleagues outside the Trust, so we can share what works and learn together. -
Working better together
Encouraging collaboration, shared thinking and knowledge-sharing across the education community.
Our Training Offer
We design and deliver professional development specifically for colleagues beyond our Trust, and we share these opportunities widely across the education community.
Our training is shaped by real experience and led by people who understand the day-to-day realities of schools. It’s practical, relevant and focused on what makes the biggest difference.
We offer training in ways that work for you, including:
- Face-to-face sessions
- Live online courses
- Flexible, self-paced learning
Whether you prefer to learn in person or online, we aim to make professional development accessible, supportive and easy to fit around your role.