Working with schools in disadvantaged communities: a case study of Cork Learning Neighbourhoods

This article documents the initiatives of Cork Learning Cities and Neighbourhoods with schools in disadvantaged communities in Cork City, Ireland’s second largest city, to tackle the persistence of education stratification and inequality of education opportunities and outcomes. Through a community development approach, Learning Cities and Neighbourhoods works to create collaboration across learning sectors, including primary and secondary schools, community groups, and further and higher education institutions. The article explores the bottom-up, collaborative approach of Learning Neighbourhoods and shows how authentic partnerships between learning organisations and communities can be developed to enhance learning opportunities and pathways to further and higher education.