Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent News Feed - News

Ending the Term with Easter Eggs-cellence!

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:57:25 GMT

We wrapped up the spring term in style today with our Easter livestream! For the last two weeks, the Academy has been buzzing with our Easter Egg-cellence event, with prizes handed out every single day. Vouchers, lunch passes, and plenty of Easter eggs were all up for grabs, and it was brilliant to see so many students rewarded for their hard work.

Celebrating Our Identity: A Vibrant Culture Day at the Academy

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:11:58 GMT

What an incredible day we had for our recent Culture Day! It was fantastic to see the Academy transformed into a sea of colour as students and staff arrived in vibrant outfits representing their unique backgrounds and identities. From traditional national dress and religious garments to favourite football shirts and outfits representing Pride, the variety on display was a brilliant reflection of who we are.

River Study: GCSE Geography Fieldwork at Cotton Dell

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:09:09 GMT

The first half of our GCSE Geographers headed out to Cotton Dell Nature Reserve today for the first of two planned visits for their river fieldwork. Getting out of the classroom and into the water is a vital part of the course, and today provided the perfect opportunity for students to collect the raw data they need for their upcoming exams.

Cooking Up a Storm: Our Co-op Culinary Contestants!

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:14:40 GMT

The kitchen was buzzing recently as we held our school finals for the Co-op Culinary Competition. Our fantastic pairs of budding chefs stepped up to the plate to see who would represent the Academy in the next stage.

Our First Academy Family Iftar

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:07:15 GMT

This week, we held our very first Family Iftar in the school canteen, and it was a truly wonderful evening. With Ramadan currently underway, we wanted to create an opportunity for our families and staff to come together and celebrate the incredible diversity that makes our Academy so special.

One Change: RE Leaders Bring the Community Together

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:15:25 GMT

This month, our Student RE Leaders have been busy leading a brilliant new project called "One Change" to mark both Ramadan and Lent. It’s a rare and special occasion to have both holy seasons happening at the same time, and our leaders wanted to use this as a chance for the whole Academy to stop and reflect.

Brothers Honoured with Headteacher’s Achievement Award

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:11:42 GMT

Our latest Headteacher’s Achievement Awards have been presented to two brothers who have shown truly exceptional community spirit. Jack in Year 10 and Ethan in Year 9 were recognised this week for their tireless volunteering efforts and their commitment to making a positive difference in our local area.

A Standard of Excellence: Academy Achieves Quality in Careers Reaccreditation

Sun, 8 Mar 2026 19:22:38 GMT

We are delighted to announce that the Academy has successfully achieved the Quality in Careers Standard reaccreditation. This national award recognises schools that provide an outstanding programme of careers education, information, advice, and guidance, and it is a testament to our ongoing commitment to preparing our students for life beyond the classroom.

Our Students Shine at the First Story Festival

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:06:14 GMT

This week, our First Story participants headed to The Lowry in Manchester for the First Story Writers' Festival. It was a brilliant opportunity for our students to step out of the classroom and join hundreds of other young writers to celebrate the power of the written word.

Careers Inspiration from JD Sports

Sun, 1 Mar 2026 08:43:23 GMT

Last week, our Year 10 students headed to the Manchester Central Convention Centre for the JDUP event, and it was a brilliant way to get a real look at the world of retail, design, and logistics. This event, run by the JD Sports Foundation, is all about bridging the gap between what happens in the classroom and the realities of modern employment, and it gave our students a fantastic chance to explore different career paths.

Ballet at the Royal Opera House

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:18:59 GMT

Last week, our Year 8 and 10 Scholars travelled to London to visit the Royal Opera House for a performance of the classic ballet Giselle. For many of our students, this was a new experience, and it was fascinating to observe their reactions as they arrived at such an iconic venue.

A Fairytale Performance: Ellie Dances At Disneyland

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:13:24 GMT

While many were enjoying a well-earned break over the February half term, Ellie in Year 8 was having the experience of a lifetime. She travelled to Disneyland Paris with her dance school, and we are incredibly proud of everything she achieved during the trip.

Inspiring the Future: Welcoming Co-op Academy Grove

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:40:54 GMT

We had a fantastic day last week when we welcomed Year 5 students from Co-op Academy Grove to our school. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. Their energy and enthusiasm were incredible, and it was a joy to have them exploring everything our Academy has to offer.

REACHing for Success!

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:39:17 GMT

Our Year 9 students have been making great strides in their professional development through the REACH programme, which is an initiative unique to the Co-op Academies Trust. This programme is a key part of our careers provision, helping students bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work.

Inspiring Inclusion: IRIS Prize Event

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:28:35 GMT

It was a busy end to the term last week, and a group of our students had the fantastic opportunity to visit Angel Square for the IRIS Prize event. It was an incredibly inspiring day focused on the importance of diversity and storytelling, and our students got a huge amount out of the experience.

Leading the Way: Year 7 Eco Projects Champion Our Community

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:10:36 GMT

Our Year 7 students have been proving that you are never too young to make a real difference. During tutor time, each group was tasked with designing an eco-project to improve the environment both within the Academy and across our local area. It has been inspiring to see the variety of ideas they’ve come up with, all driven by a genuine desire to look after the world around them.

Celebrating Success

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:57:47 GMT

What a way to finish the half term! We held our big rewards afternoon this week, and the atmosphere was brilliant. To make sure the whole Academy could join in the celebration, Ms. Williamson led a live stream that beamed the excitement directly into every classroom.

February Family Meal

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:14:18 GMT

It was fantastic to welcome so many families into the Academy this week for our latest Family Meal. There’s always such a great atmosphere when we get everyone together like this, and it was a real highlight to see the hall so full of life and conversation.

This is My Place: Celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:54:13 GMT

This week, the Academy has been buzzing with activity as we marked Children’s Mental Health Week. The theme this year, "This is My Place," has been at the heart of everything we’ve done, focusing on the vital role that a sense of belonging plays in our mental health and wellbeing.

Pride in Our Work

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:49:40 GMT

There is honestly nothing better than seeing a student’s face light up when they get to show off something they’ve worked hard on. This week, we held our "PRIDE in my work" table, and it was easily one of the best days we’ve had this term.

Future Ready: Year 10 Explore Career Paths at Apprenticeship Expo

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:33:49 GMT

As part of National Apprenticeships Week, our Year 10 students visited the bet365 Stadium recently for an inspiring day at the Apprenticeship Expo. With their own work experience placements just around the corner, the trip was a perfectly timed opportunity for them to see how their current studies link directly to their future careers.

Year 9 Explore Future Pathways at Stoke Sixth Form

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:18:14 GMT

Our Year 9 students recently visited Stoke Sixth Form College for an "Aspire Day," getting a real feel for college life as they prepare to make their upcoming options choices. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to look ahead at their next steps, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they handled the experience.

A Credit to the Academy: Year 11 Impress at Salford Quays

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:46:22 GMT

Our Year 11 Geography students recently spent the day at Media City, Salford Quays, swapping their desks for the waterfront to see urban regeneration in action. While the trip was an essential part of their fieldwork, the real story of the day wasn’t just the data they collected, but the incredible impression they left on the local community.

Year 7s Attend University of Birmingham Christmas Lectures

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:51:37 GMT

Our Year 7 students recently spent an inspiring day at the University of Birmingham, stepping away from their usual timetables to experience the energy of a major university campus. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, the university offered a wonderful setting for our pupils to look ahead and imagine where their own hard work might take them. Throughout the visit, our students were fantastic ambassadors for Co-op Academy Stoke, showing a level of maturity and enthusiasm that was a real credit to our school community.

Scholars' Programme Visit to Parliament

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:42:26 GMT

Our Year 7 and 9 scholars recently enjoyed a truly fantastic trip to the Houses of Parliament, undertaken as a key component of their supercurricular academic programme. The educational visit was a tremendous success, offering a unique opportunity to witness the heart of British democracy firsthand.

Festive Cheer and Community Spirit at Our Annual Christmas Fair

Sat, 6 Dec 2025 08:13:47 GMT

The school successfully hosted its Annual Christmas Fair last Friday evening, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. Hundreds of students, families, staff, and members of the local community visited the event, marking it as a highlight of the festive calendar.

Year 7 Students Explore Space

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:46:35 GMT

What an inspiring day for our Year 7 students! The first half of the year group enjoyed a truly breathtaking experience inside the Stardome, the mobile planetarium that brought the wonders of the universe directly into our school hall.

Students were absolutely captivated, taking a fantastic journey across the cosmos and learning all about the Solar System and beyond. A real highlight was hearing from a professional astrophysicist, whose passion and knowledge truly ignited curiosity and awe among the students. It was an amazing opportunity for them to look up and think big!

Our sincere thanks go to Mr Morris for arranging this excellent educational day for the students.

"The Stardome experience was a powerful lesson in how vast and exciting the universe is. Providing opportunities like this helps our students expand their horizons and fosters a deep sense of inquiry and awe. It's a key part of our commitment to Personal Development."

— Ms Williamson, Assistant Head for Personal Development

The good news is that the other half of the Year 7 cohort will have their turn when the Stardome returns in February. They certainly have something brilliant to look forward to!

National Memorial Arboretum Visit Concludes Remembrance 2025

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:21:00 GMT

We are pleased to report on this year's visit to the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), which served as a deeply moving conclusion to our remembrance activities. This trip has become an important part of our school year, giving students a crucial opportunity to engage directly with the powerful history of service and sacrifice in the UK.

Year 7 Wildlife Trip Is A Roaring Success!

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:59:00 GMT

We were thrilled to take a deserving group of our Year 7 students on a rewards trip to Peak Wildlife Park recently. This outing was a special acknowledgement of the fantastic effort they have put in since beginning their journey at the Academy.

Maths Excellence Programme - Keele Masterclass

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:09:46 GMT

Fourteen students from Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent recently had an exciting visit to Keele University in Staffordshire, participating in a Masterclass organised as part of the Maths Excellence Programme.

Year 10 Scholars Visit Trinity College, Cambridge

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:06:46 GMT

Our group of twelve ambitious Year 10 Scholars recently enjoyed an incredibly rewarding visit to the prestigious Trinity College, Cambridge. The day proved to be a fantastic source of inspiration and learning about top-tier higher education opportunities.

Celebrating Our Attendance Superstars!

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 07:20:54 GMT

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the fantastic start to the year for our students' attendance! Consistency truly is the key to success, and we're seeing some amazing commitment across the school.

Year 9 Are Set For Success!

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 17:42:26 GMT

Our Year 9 students have kicked off the fantastic Barclays Set For Success Programme with an incredibly inspiring launch event! This powerful initiative, delivered in partnership with the Wimbledon Foundation and the Youth Sport Trust, is all about helping young people discover their potential by focusing on core life and leadership skills. We were all thrilled to start this journey, knowing the impact this focused mentoring and skills development will have on their confidence and future aspirations.

Autumn's BIG Attendance Prize

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:14:10 GMT

It was a brilliant end to the term with our eagerly anticipated Attendance Prize Draw! This special event was our way of recognising and rewarding the outstanding commitment shown by our students.

Rocking the Term End: Joel Foster's Mental Wellbeing Performance

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:03:20 GMT

What a brilliant way to wrap up the term! Today, we had the fantastic singer-songwriter Joel Foster visit for an amazing end-of-term treat. He put on two incredibly engaging performances, first for Year 7 and then for Year 10. More than just a gig, the event did an awesome job of supplementing our mental wellbeing offer and PSHE lessons by sharing a hugely powerful message about mental health.

Celebrating Success as Scholars' Programme Launches for New Cohort

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:33:28 GMT

What a triumphant evening as we celebrated the Scholars' Programme Launch, welcoming the proud families of our successful applicants into the Academy! This year’s programme saw the highest-ever number of applications and featured incredible interviews, making the selection process intensely competitive. A huge congratulations to the 48 outstanding students across Year 7 to Year 10 who have been successfully selected for this prestigious opportunity.

Year 9 Engineers Get Hands-On

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:07:39 GMT

Over 140 of our Year 9 students had a fantastic and highly engaging day recently, taking part in engineering workshops run by The Industry Learning Group (TILG). The energy and involvement from the students were palpable, with many getting completely absorbed in the practical challenges and activities.

Year 9 Students Develop Playwriting Skills with the National Theatre

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:36:43 GMT

We're thrilled to share some exciting news: Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent is continuing our strong partnership with the National Theatre! Following our positive involvement in the Speak Up Programme, we are now taking part in the prestigious 'New Views' programme, which is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn the craft of playwriting.

Year 8 Students Dive into AI and Rocket Science at Cambridge University

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:50:01 GMT

We are pleased to share the exciting news about our talented students' participation in the Axiom Maths Summer Camp, held at Cambridge University’s Churchill College.

Hat-Trick Hero Alfie Seals 5-3 Win for Year 8 Boys!

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:39:39 GMT

Huge congratulations to our superb Year 8 boys' football team following their terrific 5-3 victory in a recent match against Ormiston Horizon. It was a thrilling encounter that showcased both the skill and determination of our young players.

From Stoke-on-Trent to the London Stage: Celebrating Luo Chen's Impact on the National Theatre's Speak Up Council

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:10:46 GMT

We are very proud to share the fantastic achievement of Year 10 student Luo Chen, who represented Stoke-on-Trent at the National Theatre’s Speak Up: Arts Everywhere Symposium during the summer.

Celebrating Success: Academy Earns Music Mark of Recognition!

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:47:42 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that our academy has been awarded the prestigious Music Mark of Recognition for Dedication & Improvement! This certificate is a fantastic external validation of our commitment to embedding high-quality, inclusive, and consistent music education for all our students. The award recognizes that we understand the vital importance of music education and are dedicated to finding ways to embed consistent and inclusive provision.

Headteacher's Achievement Award: Ella Shines at Open Evening

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:28:52 GMT

We are delighted to announce that Ella, one of our outstanding Co-op Young Leaders (CYLs), is the recipient of the latest Headteacher's Achievement Award. This honour is specifically in recognition of the exceptional contribution she made during our recent Open Evening.

Year 11 Sports Students Gain Career Insights at Etihad Stadium

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:04:06 GMT

Our Year 11 Sports students recently undertook an educational visit to the Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City F.C., to support their OCR qualification. The purpose of the trip was to provide tangible, real-world context on the pivotal role of media in sports, a key component of their studies.

Fantastic Open Evening

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:08:31 GMT

It was fantastic to welcome so many families and prospective students to the Academy for our Open Evening! The Academy was truly buzzing with excitement and positive energy

Co-op Academy Students Published by Cambridge University

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:42:46 GMT

An incredible achievement! Six talented students from Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent have had their writing published in a prestigious anthology by Cambridge University. All of the students, currently in Year 10 and 11, submitted their work to The Litmus, an annual publication by Trinity College, Cambridge. The students received their printed anthologies this week—a truly special moment, seeing their work published by one of the world's most renowned universities.

Free Prom for Year 11: Celebrating All Your Hard Work!

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 08:39:19 GMT

We're thrilled to announce that this year's Year 11 Prom will be completely free of charge! We're so proud of everything our Year 11s have achieved and we believe every single one of you deserves to celebrate your time at Co-op Academy together. This is our way of showing you how much we value you and how important you are to us.

CAS Racing Club Shines at Greenpower Heats

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:54:35 GMT

Our CAS Racing Club travelled to the legendary Aintree racecourse to compete in the latest Greenpower heats, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. The team arrived with the car they had designed and built as part of their CAS Racing elective.

Budding Author: Summer Residential

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:07:55 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Ahmed, one of our talented Year 10 students, was selected for a fully funded residential programme with First Story, a fantastic opportunity that exemplifies our Co-op values.

Year 7's Fantastic Start

Wed, 3 Sep 2025 16:49:40 GMT

What a fantastic first day it has been for our new Year 7 students! Today we had the pleasure of welcoming them for their first day of secondary school, and we couldn't be more proud of how they've started their journey with us.