The Portal: A community owned democratic educational alternative for Norfolk

The launch of The Portal represents a major milestone as a pioneering Norfolk initiative establishing foundational education (ages 4–18) structured as a Community Benefit Society (Reg. No. 9826). By bringing families, educators, and civic leaders together in the Auditorium at The Forum, this event marks a shift toward democratically governed, student-centered learning that roots education directly in environmental stewardship and active local citizenship. It serves as both a public call to action and a proof of concept for how local communities can co-own, shape, and transform young people’s learning journeys.