Ethnic Minority Achievement Service

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The Community Cohesion Duty: What is expected of schools

The statutory duty on all maintained schools to promote community cohesion came into effect in September 2007. Ofsted are expected to inspect and report on the contribution that schools make to community cohesion.

The school governing body is legally responsible for ensuring that the school responds to the community cohesion duty. The headteacher takes responsibility for operational management of the duty and reports to governors. Governors should make sure that the school's strategic plans are informed by the local area plans.

The DCSF’s Guidance on the Duty to Promote Community Cohesion proposes a definition of community cohesion as working towards a society where there is a common vision and a sense of belonging by all communities; where the diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued and similar life opportunities are available to all; where strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed in the workplace, in schools and in the wider community.

For academies, from April 2007 the duty to promote community cohesion was introduced in new academy Funding Agreements. There is a clear expectation that academies will promote community cohesion in the same way as maintained schools.

Downloads and Links

Schools’ contributions to community cohesion

Ofsted inspection

Community Cohesion Resource Pack (Teachernet)

Community Cohesion in Action: a curriculum planning guide for schools (QCDA)  

Ofsted Community Cohesion Inspection Guidance 2010

Cambridge Education @ Islington EMAS Community Cohesion Audit for Schools

Guidance for completing the SEF

Useful resource links

Other Links

Supplementary and Complementary Schooling

Sara McLaughlin - (Community Cohesion Manager)

Bilingual Parent Support Advisers (BPSA)