Manchester Creative and Media Academy will be known as Co-op Academy North Manchester from September 2018.

The Blackley academy has chosen the new name following extensive research with students, staff, parents and the local community.

“We know from the research carried out by the Co-op that this is a strong name. It not only celebrates that we are part of an outstanding Trust that is underpinned by co-operative principles and values, but this name also roots us in the community of North Manchester that we have been proud to be a part of over many generations.” said Rebecca Smith, Principal.

The academy joined the Co-op Academies Trust in 2016 and has continued to see significant improvements in all areas of performance. The academy is now regarded as one of Manchester’s most improved academies, and it also reached the finals for ‘Secondary School of the Year’ award in the 2017 M.E.N. School Awards.

The Co-op Academies Trust sponsors two other other academies in north Manchester; Co-op Academy Manchester and Co-op Academy Failsworth.

Frank Norris, Director of the Co-op Academies Trust said “All of our academies have Co-op as part of their identity. It’s a sign of their commitment to the co-operative values that we live and work by and makes clear the good link we have with the Co-op business.”

The Co-op Academies Trust is one of the highest performing multi-academy trusts nationally.

The school will see changes to signage and the school website over the summer holidays all of which is being paid for by a generous donation from the Co-op. Pupils currently at the academy will not be expected to purchase new uniforms for September. Instead these uniforms can be used until September 2020