I am very proud of the fact that I work for and lead Co-op Academies Trust, which is a major part of the Co-op’s community strategy. Belonging to such a successful and ethical organisation is truly inspirational. Education is one of the founding principles of the Co-op. A good education can give young people a chance to fulfil their potential.

As a Trust we want to be successful, but it isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it that is important. Our “Ways of Being”: 

• Do what matters most
• Be yourself, always
• Show you care
• Succeed together 

They give us clear direction and clarity in all that we do. We want colleagues who really want to follow that strong moral code.

We put people and communities first. We understand totally the commitment we have in training Co-op teachers who will lead our academies in the future. Our Career professional development programmes (CPD) across the Trust are innovative, good quality and delivered by excellent professionals. We provide a lifelong CPD commitment not just at the start of your career but also throughout. But we understand that the first few years of training and developing the art of teaching is crucial, so provide the very best start to your professional career in education. 

That’s why we’ve started our own ITT in partnership with Bright Futures Education Trust. Bringing together expertise from across Primary, Secondary, Special and Further Education to promote excellence in all aspects of education. Our trainees benefit from focused, central and school-based training, working in our academies and partner schools across our four geographical areas for the duration of the programme.

Our overall aims and objectives of our programme are to:

• Produce high-quality and highly employable teachers for our Trust
• Deliver high-quality, innovative, research-led practice 
• Develop reflective and responsive practitioners who maintain and practice these approaches over time 
• Foster practice which promotes high-quality outcomes for learners 
• Ensure a supportive and nurturing environment which will allow trainees to flourish
• Work with us to best shape the lives of young people through our Primary and Secondary Teacher Training courses.

Our Trust is a positive and vibrant educational environment to be a part of. Our colleagues really make a difference working with pupils and transforming communities.

If that sounds like something you would like to be a part of, then I encourage you to come and join our team. 

Dr Chris Tomlinson

See our current vacancies