This article responds to Henry Tam's article in this issue of FORUM by exploring opportunities for co-operative problem-solving for staff and students of the Royal Docks Community School in the London Borough of Newham. Becoming a co-operative trust helped the school move out of special measures and develop a strategy of participation and improvement based upon co-operative values and principles. Co-operative problem solving at the school has focused upon curriculum, student voice, behaviour and the development of student co-operators.