Training at Connell Co-op College offers the opportunity to develop as a teacher in an ambitious and growing sixth form at the heart of East Manchester. Connell serves a diverse community and is committed to helping young people access high-quality post-16 education, raise their aspirations and progress confidently to university, further study or employment.

You’ll teach in a modern, purpose-built environment with strong resources and a culture of continuous improvement. Connell also benefits from partnerships with organisations including Co-op, Manchester City Football Club, Nuffield Health, universities and local businesses, giving students access to a wide range of experiences and helping trainees see how education can connect with life beyond the classroom.

Professional development and collaboration are central to the experience. Staff work closely with colleagues across Co-op Academies Trust and the Professional Development Institute, giving trainees access to evidence-informed practice and strong mentor support. As the college continues to develop, there are also opportunities to contribute ideas, take on responsibility and help shape an ambitious post-16 community.

Co-op Academies Trust believes in changing the lives of young people through empowering teachers and young people to work together for a better education and a better community.

The Trust brings together expertise from across Primary, Secondary, Special and Further Education in an aim to promote excellence in all aspects of education.

Our provision is a combination of practical training, both within and outside of the classroom; a proactive and evidence-informed curriculum to build your pedagogical and subject knowledge with a further academic focus provided by university professionals. Our courses offer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) accredited by Bright Futures SCITT, part of the Bright Futures Teaching School Hub as well as a Masters Level Qualification through the Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by The University of Derby (PGCE with 60 Masters Credits).

As a Trainee Teacher with Co-op Academies, you can immerse yourself in school life from day one and join a team of staff committed to delivering the highest quality learning and teaching to children across our Trust. 

If you are keen to learn from a range of professionals currently in a full time role within our placement schools, then our school-led training is the route for you. Your mentors, teachers and Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) will support you fully, using innovative training to enable you to become a resilient, successful teacher. 

• A curriculum that grows with you, through three phases: Introductory, Developmental and Consolidation

• Weekly Learn, Explore, Apply reflection tasks – linking theory to practice

• Professional studies to boost your confidence in behaviour, planning, assessment, and SEND

• Intensive training weeks focused on things like questioning, clarity and scaffolding

• Experience across mainstream, alternative and SEND settings – plus out-of-phase experience (e.g. primary trainees spend time in secondary)