Training at Co-op Academy Nightingale is an inspiring and deeply rewarding way to begin your teaching career. As a two-form entry primary school serving a vibrant and diverse community, we give trainees the opportunity to learn in classrooms enriched by a wide range of languages, cultures and life experiences.

That diversity will help you develop important skills in adaptive teaching, communication and relationship-building. You’ll learn how to respond to different starting points and needs, while maintaining high expectations and creating an inclusive classroom in which every child can succeed.

From day one, trainees are welcomed as valued members of the team. Experienced mentors and senior colleagues provide structured guidance, regular feedback and opportunities to observe strong practice across the school. You’ll also gain a realistic understanding of the barriers some children may face, including language development, social disadvantage and emotional wellbeing, and learn how compassion, creativity and strong teaching can help overcome them. By the end of your placement, you’ll leave with greater confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose as an inclusive practitioner.

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)