I am incredibly proud to be Headteacher of Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent.

 I was appointed in June 2020 and I am delighted about what we have achieved over the last few years: in 2022 we were the highest performing non-selective school in Stoke on Trent and most recently Ofsted judged us to be a ‘good’ school where students ‘wear their school uniform with pride’ (Ofsted: May 2023).  

I have a really uncomplicated view about what makes a successful school. Young people need to be taught well; have lots of opportunities to develop their interests (whatever they may be); and they need to know that they can always rely on us to help and support them when they need us.  

Young people are at the heart of everything we do.   

One of the things that I have learnt after nearly twenty years working in schools is that children get one chance at their education.  Working together, we have to make sure every day counts. I will never forget the fantastic teachers who taught me; it is because of them that I have had so many wonderful opportunities as an adult.  I have thought about them a lot as I have gone through my time as a teacher and leader.  While they were all great individuals, they had one really important thing in common: they believed that it didn’t matter who you were, or where you came from, you could achieve anything with hard work and dedication.

That’s why at our Academy we focus tirelessly on standards: we expect students to wear our uniform with pride; to work hard; and to treat each other as they would like to be treated.  These are the basics that make our community so special.  But, these are also the foundations upon which success is built.  We are committed to ensuring our students leave at 16 having benefited from a rich education, achieving outstanding results, ready to take their place as adults in the world.  

If you would like to arrange a tour, to see the exceptional work that goes on each day, please contact the Academy at stok-academy@coopacademies.co.uk.

Mr Richardson
Headteacher