Year 9 students at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent have embarked on an exciting new project with Urban Wilderness and PiCL, working to plan a community event that will bring people together and celebrate the local area.

As part of National Apprenticeships Week, a group of Year 10 students from Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent attended the Big Apprenticeships Expo at the bet365 Stadium, where they had the chance to explore a wide range of career pathways.

A team of talented students from Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent competed in the annual Co-op Academies Trust Spelling Bee, held at Co-op’s Headquarters, 1 Angel Square. Facing tough competition from 28 academies across the Trust, our students performed brilliantly, securing joint third place—an incredible achievement

Our KS3 Scholars recently enjoyed an inspiring visit to Manchester Art Gallery, where they had the opportunity to engage with a range of incredible artwork and explore their own creativity.

Students took part in a guided tour, where they discussed and analysed key pieces from the gallery’s collection, including Ford Madox Brown’s "Work", John William Waterhouse’s "Hylas and the Nymphs", and L.S. Lowry’s industrial cityscapes. Their intelligent and thought-provoking questions showed real curiosity and enthusiasm for the arts. 

A highlight of the visit was a hands-on clay workshop, where students created their own clay figures inspired by the theme of identity. This activity encouraged them to reflect on self-expression and the ways in which art can tell personal stories.

Throughout the day, our scholars were fantastic ambassadors for the academy, showing enthusiasm, respect, and a real passion for learning. The visit truly fired a passion for the arts, and we hope it will inspire many of them to continue exploring creative pathways. 

The Scholars’ Programme is designed to broaden students’ academic and cultural horizons, providing opportunities to engage with high-level concepts, experiences, and environments. This visit was another fantastic example of the enriching activities our scholars take part in.

You can learn more about our Scholars' Programme below:

Students in Years 7 and 8 at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent were treated to a fantastic live performance from Joel Foster, a talented up-and-coming artist from Burton-Upon-Trent. The event wasn’t just about great music—it also carried an important message about healthy relationships, bullying, and mental health, followed by an engaging Q&A session where students had the chance to ask questions and hear Joel’s personal experiences.

Before Christmas, a group of Year 9 girls from Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent completed the InnovateHer Programme, a six-week initiative designed to inspire young women to explore careers in technology and STEM.