This week we held our Open Evening. It was great to welcome so many Y5 and Y6 students and their families into our academy to experience how we do things differently at Co-op Academy Belle Vue. The evening was led by our new Head of Academy, Mr Fletcher who gave an introduction to our academy whilst our catering team provided samples of our school meals. Our visitors then got to explore our exciting subjects and get stuck into our extra-curricular electives which included making clay models. It was also great to showcase the facilities that our brand new academy on Hyde Road has to offer. We are so proud of our students and staff who went above and beyond as always to make our event extra special.

Our students were given a bird’s eye ‘Belle Vue’ when they inspected progress on their brand-new school last week and took part in a traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony to mark the final phase of its construction.  Students from Co-op Academy Belle Vue joined chiefs from the city council, Co-op, and construction company Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd on the roof of their new school building for the topping out ceremony, which saw them help with the pouring of concrete on top of a traditional good luck evergreen laurel bow, that will remain set within the building’s structure forever.

Students are also celebrating the news that building work is well ahead of schedule, and rather than moving into their new school premises in September 2023, work on the project is now expected to be finished later this year, with pupils able to move in some time in the first half of the next academic year 2022/23. For now, Co-op Academy Belle Vue is operating in temporary premises within Connell College in east Manchester, having opened its doors for the first time to 120 Year 7 students last September 2021.  The co-educational school will continue to admit pupils into Year 7 each successive year until it reaches full capacity with students in each year group by 2025.

We are really excited to share more images of what our future home on Hyde Road will look like! Work on the site has officially started, and we are looking forward to moving in.

These artist impressions give you a great idea of what the building will look and feel like. Lots of space and light for our community to grow and thrive!

As our school community grows we are going to be introducing you to some of our new faces!

Yvonne Foster

What attracted you to this role?

Due to my current role I believe my contribution to the new school will be valuable and as I am accountable for making links with schools for employment opportunities what better way to understand requirements by to joining the school team.

What is your current role at Co-op?

I am Head of Resourcing Services at Co-op which means my team recruit for all Co-op businesses, circa 20,000 hires a year. I also have accountability for community programmes link to employment.

What are you looking forward to the most?

I’m looking forward to building a school from the beginning, working with a new team and learning lots.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I love to play golf!

Liz Rose

What attracted you to this role for the new school?

The opportunity to be part of a brand new team, ready to help and support students and staff to achieve great things.

What is your current role in Co-op/professionally and what does that entail?

I am a Senior Officer for QA of Safeguarding in Schools in Manchester and was previously a teacher for 30 years.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Joining a new vibrant community where we’ll all learn together

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have lots of rare breed hens running round my garden – recipes using lots of eggs are always welcome!

As our school community grows we are going to be introducing you to some of our new faces!

What attracted you to this role?

I have been part of the Co-op for nearly ten years and seen the amazing work possible through cooperation and working together. The chance to be part of Academy Belle Vue will enable me to help share the Co-op ways of being throughout the school and the community it serves. I live very close to the site of the new school and look forward to playing a wider role in the community I live.

The chance to help shape the education of the students will be a privilege and I feel passionate about creating an environment where students have the opportunity and tools to become whatever they desire.

What is your current role at Co-op?

Category Buying Manager – I work in the commercial team, leading a team of Buyers. Our role is to build market leading customer focussed propositions. We work closely with our suppliers to create the best ranges, focussing on areas such as Price, Product and Promotions. Its a fast paced role with lots of plates to spin, however that’s why I enjoy it so much, working with the team to deliver for our customers and colleagues.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Working alongside and part of a diverse group who are all learning and working together towards a shared goal and vision for Belle Vue. I cant wait to be actively involved within the school, taking on responsibilities and seeing that grow from day one.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have a love for food and cooking, working as a chef part-time throughout my education.