Connell Co-op College Review 2026: Professional Pathways on the Etihad Campus

Located in the shadow of the Manchester City stadium, Connell Co-op College occupies a position that most football fans would envy. Situated on the Etihad Campus in East Manchester, this sixth form college serves around 800 students aged 16 to 19. It is part of the Co-op Academies Trust, meaning education here is framed by values of solidarity and social responsibility rather than just examination statistics.

The modern glass-fronted building, opened in 2014, feels more like a corporate headquarters or a university hub than a traditional school. While it offers A-levels, the college is heavily invested in vocational pathways, particularly in sport and business, leveraging its location to provide opportunities that standard sixth forms cannot replicate.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a campus dominated by elite sport. Students walk past the City Football Academy to reach the college entrance, a daily reminder of high performance. Inside, the atmosphere is professional. There are no bells; the day runs on a business-like schedule from 9:00am to 4:00pm (ending earlier on Fridays).

Ms Emma Soper, appointed Principal in 2023, leads with a focus on "Succeeding Together". The Co-op ethos is tangible. Students, referred to as 'members', are expected to contribute to the community. The college explicitly rejects the "exam factory" model, aiming instead to build employability and character through the 'Connell Edge' programme.

The facility itself is bright and purpose-built. It houses specialist science labs, a mock hospital ward for Health and Social Care students, and high-specification computing suites. However, the defining feature is the access to the adjacent East Manchester Leisure Centre and the connection to the Etihad complex, which serves as an extended classroom for sports students.

In 2024, A-level performance sits in the national lower band, reflecting a cohort where many students prioritise vocational excellence over pure academic A-levels. Ranked 2415th in England and 21st in Manchester for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college's results sit below the England average.

Metrics show that 1.5% of grades were A*, and 19.9% were A*-B. This is below the England average for A*-B of 47.2%. However, these figures tell only a fraction of the story for a college where the BTEC and vocational provision is the primary engine. The college has historically strong value-added scores in vocational subjects, though parents should verify the latest specific BTEC outcomes at open events.

The curriculum is broad but clearly geared towards future careers in specific sectors. Pathways include A-levels, T Levels, and BTEC Level 3 qualifications. The 'Connell Edge' ensures that every student, regardless of their course, engages with work-related learning.

Teaching in vocational subjects is a clear strength, supported by industry-standard equipment. In Health and Social Care, students use the mock ward to practice clinical skills. In Digital Production, the equipment mirrors professional studios. The college has also embraced the new T Level qualifications in areas such as Digital Support Services and Health, offering a rigorous technical alternative to A-levels.

Where Students Go Next

In 2024, 51% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than selective sixth forms, it reflects a diverse range of outcomes including higher apprenticeships and direct employment.

Crucially, 21% of students moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than many academic sixth forms and testament to the college's focus on employability. Apprenticeships accounted for 3% of destinations. For those pursuing higher education, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford are popular destinations, alongside students securing places at Russell Group institutions.

Entry is non-selective for most courses, but specific grade requirements apply depending on the pathway. For a standard Level 3 programme (3 A-levels or equivalent), students typically need five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.

Certain subjects demand higher entry grades; for instance, A-level Mathematics and Sciences often require Grade 6s. The college is popular, and applications are made directly via the college website. Demand is high, particularly for the Sports and Health pathways.

The subscription status varies by course, but the college has grown steadily. In 2024, the college managed a busy intake, and early application is recommended.

The transition from school to college can be jarring, but Connell mitigates this through a "coaching" model. Every student is assigned a Progression Tutor (formerly known as Graduate Coaches)—a non-teaching member of staff dedicated solely to pastoral support and academic tracking. This structure means teachers focus on teaching, while tutors focus on the student's holistic wellbeing.

Safeguarding is robust. The college holds the 'Rainbow Flag Award', reflecting a genuine commitment to inclusion for LGBTQ+ students. The 2024 Ofsted report praised the "calm and orderly" environment where students feel safe and supported.

The extracurricular offer is dominated, unsurprisingly, by sport. The college's flagship partnership with Manchester City City in the Community (CITC) offers unique coaching pathways. Students on the football coaching programmes gain qualifications and experience that are hard to find elsewhere.

However, it is not just about football. The college runs clubs ranging from debating to digital media. The 'Co-op Young Leaders' programme allows students to engage in social action projects, reinforcing the college's ethical foundations. Trips are frequent, including visits to universities, industry HQs in Manchester, and overseas cultural excursions.

The college is located on Alan Turing Way, served exceptionally well by the Velopark tram stop (Metrolink), which is a short walk away. Several bus routes stop immediately outside. There is no student parking on site, and students are strongly encouraged to use public transport.

The college day (9:00am to 4:00pm) is designed to mirror working hours. Students do not wear uniform but are expected to dress appropriately for a working environment. ID lanyards are compulsory for security.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded sixth form college, and there are no tuition fees for students aged 16-19.

While education is free, families should budget for transport and course-specific equipment. The college administers the 16-19 Bursary Fund for eligible students, which can provide financial support for travel, food, and study essentials. Eligibility is based on household income or vulnerable status.

Vocational focus. While A-levels are offered, the college's soul and standout facilities lie in its vocational and technical pathways. Families seeking a traditional, purely academic "prep-school style" sixth form may find the environment too career-focused.

A-level metrics. The A-level performance data sits in the lower tier nationally. Families focused solely on high-grade A-level outcomes should examine the specific department results carefully during open evenings.

Large campus independence. The site is open and professional. Students are treated as adults, which requires a level of self-discipline that not all 16-year-olds are immediately ready for.

Etihad distraction. For some, the location is inspiring; for others, the bustle of a major stadium complex could be a distraction. However, the college manages the site securely and professionally.

Connell Co-op College offers a distinct, forward-looking education that breaks the mould of the traditional school sixth form. It is not an exam factory, but a career launchpad. Best suited to students who are ready to embrace a professional environment and those looking to leverage the exceptional vocational facilities in sport, business, and health. The main challenge is ensuring the student has the self-motivation to thrive in such an adult setting.