Initial Teacher Training

Train to Teach with our Initial Teacher Training Programme

At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe in changing lives through education. We train future teachers to work with pupils, colleagues and communities – helping everyone succeed.

You’ll benefit from expert support, real classroom experience from day one, and a curriculum designed to help you grow confidently into a brilliant teacher.

Why Train at Co-op Academy Smithies Moor?

Training at Co-op Academy Smithies Moor gives you the chance to begin your career in a school that combines a strong curriculum with a clear sense of social purpose. Trainees are supported by experienced academy leaders and Trust specialists, giving you access to high-quality curriculum thinking and evidence-informed resources while you focus on developing confident, engaging classroom practice.

Inclusion is central to the academy’s culture. Our commitment to anti-racism encourages staff and pupils to challenge inequality and ensure every child feels seen, heard and valued. You’ll also see how wider skills such as leadership, creativity and problem-solving are deliberately developed through the curriculum, helping pupils connect their learning with their future aspirations.

Smithies Moor is a community school in the fullest sense, with close relationships with local families and a strong commitment to the Co-op Ways of Being. As a trainee, you’ll join a supportive team that values your wellbeing and professional growth, giving you the mentoring, experience and values-led foundation needed for a long and impactful career in education.

Our ITT Offer

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.

What Makes Our Training Different?

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)

Support Every Step of the Way

When you join Co-op Academy Smithies Moor, you become part of a network committed to inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence in education. You’ll benefit from:

Immediate Classroom Experience: Step into the classroom and make an impact from the very start.
Professional Training: A comprehensive programme combining hands-on experience with evidence-based pedagogy.
Exceptional Support: Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced educators throughout your journey.
Guaranteed Placements: Work across our network of schools, gaining diverse experience.

Find out more

Find out more about our ITT programme here

Your Teaching Journey Starts Here

By joining the ITT programme with Co-op Academy Smithies Moor, you’ll embark on a career that makes a real difference. Whether you’re changing careers or continuing your work in education, we’ll provide you with the training, support, and community to succeed.

Take the first step toward a rewarding teaching career with Co-op Academies Trust.

Train to Teach with our Initial Teacher Training Programme

At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe in changing lives through education. We train future teachers to work with pupils, colleagues and communities – helping everyone succeed.

You’ll benefit from expert support, real classroom experience from day one, and a curriculum designed to help you grow confidently into a brilliant teacher.

Why Train at Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff?

Training to teach at Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff gives you the opportunity to begin your teaching journey in a warm, welcoming and ambitious primary school at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent. You’ll work alongside an experienced team of teachers, teaching assistants, mentors and leaders who are committed to helping you build confidence and develop strong classroom practice.

Our purpose-built academy offers an inspiring environment for learning, with interactive classrooms, excellent computing facilities, a well-stocked library and extensive outdoor spaces. These include dedicated sports areas and a polytunnel used to support practical science and environmental learning, giving trainees plenty of opportunities to see how learning can be brought to life beyond the classroom.

Clarice Cliff is also a true community school, with strong relationships with families, local organisations and businesses. As a trainee, you’ll become part of an inclusive culture built on care, aspiration and celebration, with personalised coaching and professional development to help you grow into a confident and reflective primary teacher.