Educational Co-operatives

In addition to Co-operative Schools there is a growing number of other organisations that could be termed an 'educational co-operative'.

Typically these are organisations that are:-

• not actually a school
• but one that provides educational support or services for schools

As an educational 'co-operative' they will have a governance structure that is based upon co-operative ways of working. Co-operative values and principles will be at the heart of their work. Some of these will have registered as a co-operative under Industrial and Provident legistration, others will use other legal structures, but still effectively work co-operatively.

The Robert Owen Group is an example of a highly successful educational co-operative that provides teacher training and a range of other services from its base in Leominster.

With the changes in the role of local authorities now taking effect a number of the former local authority services have started to consider new ways that the former provision could develop. Some are working with Public Service Mutuals to create a co-operative structure.

If your organisation would like to be considered as a member of SCS then please complete, as a first stage, this application form.