‘Notorious Schools’ in ‘Notorious Places’? Exploring the Connectedness of Urban and Educational Segregation

While the statistical link between residential and school segregation is well-demonstrated, in-depth knowledge of processes or mediating mechanisms which affect interconnectedness two phenomena still limited. By focusing on well-functioning schools in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, our article seeks to scrutinise whether reputation can be one key mediators connection segregation. Our study combines qualitative ethnographic interviews from four (pre-)primary with quantitative measures urban neighbourhoods Finnish capital city Helsinki understand connections lived experiences socio-spatial The results show that there appears a clear neighbourhood reputation, as are strongly viewed through perceptions attached place. Despite case schools’ excellent institutional quality high overall performance educational outcomes, consistent pattern struggling negative views about seep into reputation. Since central drivers choices also linked choices, close may feed vicious circles operating schools. highlight need for integrated policies sensitive issues concerning support confidence identity pupils, reaching beyond simply ensuring