Beyond the bell: Schools serving the community

Schools have always been central to community life, but their potential extends far beyond the classroom. When designed and managed with a broader perspective on community impact, they can become multi-functional spaces that support outcomes in education, health, economic participation, cultural life, environmental sustainability and ultimately improve the social contribution and financial performance of schools. 

Here are eight ways schools are delivering impact beyond the student body.

1. Integrated services supporting families and economic participation 

Co-locating services such as childcare, preschool, and out-of-school-hours care within school sites streamlines daily routines for families, reducing travel time and stress. This supports workforce participation, particularly for women, who are often disproportionately affected by fragmented care arrangements. Urbis research  shows co-located services ease children’s transition into formal schooling and strengthen relationships between early learning providers and schools. In some communities, on-site health or family support services further reduce barriers to access, increasing engagement with essential services.

2. Shared facilities for health and wellbeing

Opening school facilities like sports fields, swimming pools, gyms, and multipurpose halls to the community outside school hours encourages physical activity, recreation, and social connection (and can create a revenue stream for schools). There is evidence of highly diverse practices among schools, and that these arrangements can improve health outcomes, build social capital, and ensure facilities are active year-round. Useful resources are available to guide schools thinking about opening their gates.  However, there may also be barriers; for example additional maintenance requirements and planning hurdles in some jurisdictions for  non-government schools.

3. Environmental benefits and urban cooling

Many schools are implementing sustainability strategies that support energy efficiency, decarbonisation and climate resilience. Such strategies are now requirements for development and there is an opportunity for schools to invest in strategies that have benefits beyond the school gate. Landscaping, tree planting, and green infrastructure can reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. These benefits extend to surrounding neighbourhoods, enhancing liveability and resilience to climate change. School gardens and sustainability programs also act as demonstration sites, inspiring broader community adoption of sustainable practices.

4. Spaces for social and cultural events

Performance spaces, multipurpose rooms, and outdoor areas can host markets, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Leveraging schools as event spaces can generate local economic activity, foster cultural expression, and strengthen community bonds. In regional areas, school halls may be the largest available venues, making them critical for civic life. By opening their doors, schools become trusted gathering places that connect people across age groups and backgrounds.

5. Community learning opportunities

Extracurricular programs open to the wider community (for example, parenting programs, music tuition, tutoring, adult education, and language courses) support lifelong learning, improve equity and access within communities and encourage intergenerational and cultural exchange. These opportunities may also deliver revenue streams to schools, improve asset productivity and potential return on investment of facilities.  The national community hubs program is a great example of primary schools partnering to support culturally diverse families with building language skills and pathways to economic participation.

6. In-school enterprises driving local activity

Student-run enterprises such as cafes, gardens, and craft markets create vibrant social spaces and teach practical skills. These initiatives attract community members, foster intergenerational interaction, and support local economic activity. Funds raised are often reinvested into school programs or donated to local causes, strengthening community ties and social responsibility. The Yalurru Coffee cafe run through Canterbury College is one such example.  

7. Industry integration and workforce development

Partnerships between schools and industry deliver mutual benefits. Work placement programs, specialist training facilities, and industry-led excursions expose students to career pathways and build skills aligned with local workforce needs. For industries, these partnerships help create a pipeline of future talent and strengthen community connections. A creative example of industry partnership is the empowerED program at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School. The school is using the planning and construction of a Learning Hub to link students with industry and help prepare students for the real world. As part of this program, Urbis presented a case study to Year 11 students. This introduced students to some of the complexities in the property industry and highlighted career paths.  The PCA Girls in Property Program is another example of where schools and industry collaborate to deliver benefits.

8. Property value uplift from high-performing schools

A great school lifts civic pride – and property values. High-performing schools often attract families to their catchment areas, increasing demand and property values - and ultimately raise revenue through rates for councils. While this can raise affordability challenges, it also highlights the broader economic value that strong schools bring to their communities.

Well designed, purposefully connected schools become more than centres of learning, but catalysts for thriving, resilient communities. By exploring and embracing the full potential of schools as community hubs, schools can be places that deliver educational excellence while also benefiting from the commercial and community benefits that can be realised.

If your school has assets that could unlock mutual community benefit, our team of experts can assist you to understand the opportunities, constraints, benefits and pathways available to help you unlock and measure your school’s potential.