The Trust, which operates across the North of England, works across several different regions including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Merseyside. The Trust has extensive experience with secondary schools, including with well regarded Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent. It also has experience in setting up a free school in Manchester; Co-op Academy Belle Vue.

Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said: 

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams to our Trust. We strongly believe in having clusters of schools regionally to help support and challenge one another. Our network of schools, in particular Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, will work cooperatively with Florence MacWilliams to help offer students and their families a brilliant educational experience. The academy will be a great ethical fit and we’re delighted to have them on board.”

Elizabeth Clewlow, Founder and Headteacher at Florence MacWilliams Academy, said: 

“We’re delighted to be joining Co-op Academies Trust. Co-op's core philosophy of elevating aspirations through top-tier education aligns well with Florence's mission, vision and values. This transition signifies a significant stride in our commitment to delivering exemplary education and we are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other schools within the Trust, leveraging collective expertise and resources to create a school that students and the community can genuinely take pride in.”

Cllr Desiree Elliott, cabinet member for education, skills and anti-poverty said:

“It’s incredibly exciting that Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams will be the first free school in the city and one of the first new-build schools in many years.

I’m pleased to see that rapid progress is being made and welcome the news that the Co-op Academies Trust are on board to deliver the school, which will also include sports and other community facilities.

Florence Jessie MacWilliams was a pioneer in the field of women’s access to higher education and I am sure that, likewise, the school in her name will inspire the next generation in the city to be ambitious and attain the highest standards.”

Founded in 2010, Co-op Academies Trust has academies across the North of England, the majority of which are considered Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. The Trust is founded on Co-operative principles, believing that by creating great schools, they support communities. The Trust’s sponsor is the Co-op Group, who support the Trust as part of their commitment to community development.