A Manchester City Centre primary school has become the first Outstanding school, rated by Ofsted, to join an academies trust sponsored by one of the UK’s largest businesses, on 1 July. 

The Co-op Group provides funding and support to the Co-op Academies Trust as part of their commitment to providing fairer opportunities to young people.  

New Islington Free School in Manchester has joined the Co-op Academies Trust, established in 2012, which educates over 17,000 young people across 27 academies in the North of England

Founded in 2013, as a standalone academy trust, New Islington is a popular and thriving academy at the heart of its community.  

The school will be known as Co-op Academy New Islington following the conversion on July 1st 2022.

New Islington’s Local Governing Body and Co-op Academies Trust Board recognised the mutual benefit of this partnership between New Islington Free School and Co-op Academies Trust. 

Tabitha Smith, Headteacher at the school, said “I am so excited to be joining the Co-op Academies Trust. I know that our school will continue to go from strength to strength, working in close collaboration with others. 

“We will all benefit from a sense of belonging, a sense of community. I am proud to be the Head Teacher of Co-op Academy New Islington and, working with our families and our staff I know that we will demonstrate how great a great school can be”

Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO Co-op Academies Trust, said “New Islington is a primary school at the very heart of Manchester. The work they are doing in their community is so important. 

“We are very proud to have them join Co-op Academies Trust and are perfectly aligned to us in terms of ethos and values.  We look forward to these colleagues, pupils and families joining us for a bright and exciting future”

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.