Planning for Curriculum Change

This article summarises the issues which have arisen in one grant‐maintained school as it attempts to respond to the needs of its highly supportive community. Saved from closure by opting out, Bankfield School is managed by a governing body for whom community education is a fundamental principle, and a Head and staff with a strong commitment to local needs. Problems might arise in the future from pressure for admission for out‐of‐area pupils, from tensions consequent upon the joint use and funding of facilities used by the community, and from possible interference in curriculum management by governors. The issue of accountability, and the achievement of complementary, and not competing, demands upon the school also require some special management awareness. Because the precepts of effective community education are recognised it would seem that the balance between school and community is being achieved to the mutual benefit of both.