Three West Midland Primaries join Co-op Academies Trust
![](/_site/data/images/news/214/main-Welcome to the Family Header.png)
Three academies, formerly part of Esprit Multi Academy Trust in Northwood, have joined our Trust!
The Stoke-on-Trent primaries, formerly known as Grove Academy, Hamilton Academy and Northwood Broom Academy, joined our community focussed MAT on 1st July. They’re now known as Co-op Academy Grove, Co-op Academy Hamilton and Co-op Academy Northwood.
The Trust operates across the North of England, with clusters of schools in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Merseyside. We already have 2 secondaries and 3 primaries within the Staffordshire region, most recently having been joined by new free school Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams.
Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to have Co-op Academy Grove, Hamilton and Northwood join our network of Staffordshire academies. We’re passionate about having clusters of schools regionally who can support and challenge each other. Our Staffordshire academies will work cooperatively together to provide students with the very best educational opportunities. The primaries will be a fantastic fit with our Trust and we’re thrilled to have them join our community.”
Yvonne Glaister, Headteacher at Hamilton and Northwood, said:
"We are excited to join the Co-op Academies Trust family. We are looking forward to the magical opportunities that this will bring for our children, families and staff. "
Shirley Carrigan, Headteacher at Grove, said:
"We are very excited to be joining Co-op Academies Trust, and the opportunities that this will bring for our children, staff and communities. The Trust's values align with our own, putting the children at the heart of all that we do!"
The three primaries opened under their new names on 1st July 2024. Changes to uniform and signage will be phased in over the coming months and no parent or carer will be out of pocket by the change of name.
Founded in 2010, Co-op Academies Trust has 37 academies across the North of England, the vast 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.