Co-op Academy Swinton Review 2026: Values-Led Education in Salford

Situated in Pendlebury, Co-op Academy Swinton serves a diverse community with a clear focus on cooperative values. As part of the Co-op Academies Trust, the school operates on a philosophy that education goes beyond grades to include character, community responsibility, and mutual support. The campus, which has seen significant refurbishment in recent years, accommodates over 1,000 students aged 11 to 16.

This is a school that wears its identity on its sleeve. The "Ways of Being Co-op" are not merely slogans on the wall but form the basis of the behaviour policy, the curriculum intent, and the daily language used by staff and students. While academic challenges remain, particularly in lifting outcomes to match national averages, the school provides a structured, safe, and nurturing environment where the pastoral care is a notable strength.

The atmosphere at Co-op Academy Swinton is defined by its strong sense of community. The "Ways of Being Co-op" (Do what matters most; Be yourself, always; Show you care; Succeed together) provide a consistent framework for school life. Students understand these values and are frequently rewarded for demonstrating them, creating a culture that values kindness and effort alongside academic achievement.

Mrs Zarina Ali, the Principal since 2021, leads with a clear vision for inclusive education. Her leadership has focused on raising expectations while maintaining the school's reputation as a caring environment. Parents often describe the staff as approachable and genuinely invested in the wellbeing of the children, a sentiment that aligns with the cooperative ethos.

The school building is a mix of the original structure and modern additions. The facilities are functional and well-maintained, with specialist areas for science, technology, and the arts. Corridors are orderly, and the school has implemented strict routines to ensure calm movement between lessons. There is a tangible sense of belonging here; students wear their uniform with pride, and the house system fosters healthy competition and camaraderie across year groups.

The academic picture at Co-op Academy Swinton reflects a school working hard to improve outcomes in a challenging context. In the 2024 examinations, the school ranked 2,797th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking) and 60th among secondary schools in the Manchester area. This performance places the school in the national lower band, indicating outcomes are below the England average.

The Average Attainment 8 score stood at 42.3, slightly below the England average of 46. This metric measures the average grade a student achieves across eight subjects. The Progress 8 score of -0.48 suggests that, on average, students achieve nearly half a grade lower per subject than pupils across England with similar starting points.

However, headline figures can mask individual successes. The school offers a broad curriculum, and while the percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths is 6.3% (specifically for the EBacc suite), many students secure the qualifications needed for their next steps. The focus remains on securing solid passes in core subjects to ensure students can access further education.

Families researching local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

The curriculum at Co-op Academy Swinton is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring students have access to a wide range of subjects before narrowing their choices for GCSE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students study the full national curriculum, including art, drama, music, and technology, alongside core academic subjects.

Teaching follows a structured model known as the "Co-op Principles of Instruction". This approach prioritises clear explanations, modelling, and regular checks for understanding. Lessons typically begin with a "Do Now" activity to recall prior learning, followed by teacher instruction and guided practice. This consistency helps students know what to expect in every classroom, reducing cognitive load and allowing them to focus on the content.

The school has invested in reading strategies, recognising literacy as a key barrier for some students. "Drop Everything and Read" sessions and targeted interventions for weaker readers are standard practice. In subjects like History and Geography, there is a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, helping students to articulate complex ideas.

Teachers are generally subject specialists, and where non-specialists are used, they are supported by strong department leads. Relationships in the classroom are positive; teachers use the language of the cooperative values to manage behaviour and encourage participation.

As an 11-16 school, Co-op Academy Swinton does not have a sixth form. This means all Year 11 students must choose a new destination for their post-16 education. The school has a robust careers programme that begins in Year 7, helping students explore their options early.

The majority of leavers progress to local further education colleges. Salford City College is a popular destination, with many students attending the nearby Pendleton or Eccles centres. Others travel slightly further to colleges in Manchester or Bury. A significant number of students also pursue apprenticeships, supported by the school's links with local businesses and the wider Co-op network.

The school hosts an annual careers fair and ensures every student has a one-to-one guidance interview. This support is crucial in helping students navigate the transition, ensuring that despite the lack of an on-site sixth form, no student leaves without a clear plan.

Admissions to Co-op Academy Swinton are coordinated by Salford City Council. The school is a popular choice for families in the Pendlebury and Swinton areas. For the most recent intake, the school received 226 applications for approximately 174 offers, making it oversubscribed.

The oversubscription criteria follow standard priorities: looked-after children come first, followed by siblings of current students, and then children living closest to the school.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Applications must be submitted by the national deadline of 31 October for entry the following September. Late applications are processed after all on-time applications, significantly reducing the chance of securing a place.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Co-op Academy Swinton offer. The school uses a Year Group structure, with Heads of Year and non-teaching Pastoral Year Managers (PYMs) overseeing student welfare. This ensures that there is always someone available to deal with issues during the school day when teachers are in lessons.

The "Coaching" model is central to the pastoral system. Students belong to coaching groups (form groups) that meet daily. These sessions are not just for registration but include character education, checking in on wellbeing, and discussing current affairs through the lens of cooperative values.

Bullying is taken seriously. The school uses an online reporting tool that allows students to report concerns anonymously if they wish. Restorative practice is often used to resolve conflicts, encouraging students to understand the impact of their actions on others rather than simply receiving a sanction.

Extracurricular life is varied, with a mix of sports, arts, and academic clubs. The Co-op values extend here too, with an emphasis on participation and teamwork rather than just elite performance.

Sport is a strength, with the school utilising its sports hall, gym, and outdoor pitches for football, netball, basketball, and athletics. The PE department runs fixtures against other Salford schools, and the annual Sports Day is a major event in the school calendar involving the whole community.

The Arts are well-represented. The school puts on an annual production which involves students from all year groups, working on stage and behind the scenes. Music tuition is available, and there are clubs for choir and various instruments.

Uniquely, the school benefits from the wider Co-op Academies Trust initiatives. This includes opportunities for student leadership, work experience within the Co-op business, and participation in Trust-wide competitions and events. The "Student Council" is active and genuinely consulted on changes to school life, reflecting the democratic principles of the cooperative movement.

The school day begins at 8:30am, with students expected to be on site by 8:25am. The day finishes at 2:50pm, although many students stay later for clubs and interventions.

Uniform is strict: a black blazer with the academy logo, white shirt, academy tie, and black trousers or skirt. The school is conscious of costs and ensures that branded items are kept to a minimum where possible, although the blazer and tie are compulsory purchases from approved suppliers.

The school is located on Sefton Road in Pendlebury. It is well-served by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Swinton train station is approximately a 15-minute walk away.

Academic Outcomes: Families should be aware that the school's Progress 8 score is currently below the national average (-0.48). While pastoral care is strong, students may need to be self-driven to achieve the very highest grades compared to peers in higher-performing schools.

No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. Students must move to a new institution for A-levels or BTECs. This requires a transition at age 16, which suits some students who are ready for a fresh start but can be daunting for others who prefer continuity.

Strict Behaviour Policy: The school operates a firm behaviour policy. Families and students must be comfortable with strict rules regarding uniform, punctuality, and conduct. The school makes no apologies for high expectations in this area.

Co-op Academy Swinton is a school with a heart, deeply rooted in its community and driven by powerful values. It offers a safe, supportive environment where children are treated as individuals and taught the importance of social responsibility. It is best suited to families who value character education and pastoral support as highly as academic grades, and who want a school that feels like a community rather than an exam factory. The main challenge remains lifting academic progress to match the quality of its care.