Co-op Academies Trust Professional Development Institute

Co-op Academies Trust is a leading multi-academy trust with academies located across the North of England. Serving diverse communities, we are united by the belief that co-operative ways of working shape exceptional learning and lasting positive change. We know the difference co-operation can make to these communities and, although the values of co-operation are shared throughout the world, we have our own unique way of articulating them to young people!

These are our ‘Ways of Being Co-op’. Whatever we do, they are the way that we do it.

Ways of being:

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

Co-operative values:

• Self-help
• Self-responsibility
• Democracy
• Equality
• Equity
• Solidarity

Our values are embedded throughout our Professional Development Institute’s ITT Programme, both in curriculum content and our training experiences. We coach these into not just trainee attitudes, but also how they support pupils, shape school culture and contribute to keeping social responsibility at the centre of what we do.

Our Professional Development Institute

Our Professional Development Institute (PDI) is the central hub for all teacher training and professional development across our Trust. The Institute delivers a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to developing educators at every career stage - from aspiring teachers through to headteachers and executive leaders. 

Our PDI brings together expertise from Primary, Secondary, Special, and Further Education, so that every colleague - whether teaching, support, or operational - has access to high-quality, tailored professional development. By training with the Professional Development Institute, trainees join a supportive, values-driven community where teachers and students succeed together. We make sure all staff have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape lives, transform communities, and develop their careers with us. ​  

Our Views on Initial Teacher Training

We believe that high-quality Initial Teacher Training is the foundation for lifelong professional growth. ITT is not seen as a standalone phase, but as the starting point of our Trust’s “golden thread” of professional development - a seamless journey from Internship to Headship. 

Investing in Teachers: ITT as part of our Golden Thread

We are proud to be a Training Partner, working in close collaboration with Bright Futures SCITT to deliver outstanding Initial Teacher Training programmes across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Stoke and Merseyside. Our ITT offer is fully integrated within the Professional Development Institute, ensuring that trainee teachers benefit from: 

• Focused, central, and school-based training in our partner schools across four geographical areas
• A curriculum designed and quality-assured by experienced practitioners, aligned with both national standards and the Trust’s values
• Access to a strong support network, including mentors, professional development coordinators, and subject specialists

Why This Matters

Our Golden Thread reflects our commitment that your career development doesn't end when you gain Qualified Teacher Status - it's just the beginning! We invest in teacher professional development:

• We attract, develop, and retain talented teachers committed to our values and communities
• We ensure every young person benefits from excellent teaching and a supportive, ambitious school environment
• We build leadership capacity and succession from within, securing the Trust’s future success