Topic 6- educational policy

• What is the tripartite system?

  Introduced in 1944, had two main types of secondary school (grammar and secondary modern) with selection by the 11+ exam. Most middle class pupils attended the grammar school, whereas most working class pupils attended the secondary modern
• What is the comprehensive system?

  Introduced in 1965, abolished the 11+ and all pupils attended the same local comprehensive school
• What are the marketisation policies?

  League tables- schools with good results encourage the best (usually middle class pupils). Less successful schools end up with less able students.

  The funding formula- schools are funded on how many pupils they recruit, so good schools get more money, and can improve staffing/resources
• What are the new Labour policies 1997-2010?

  New Labour aimed to reduce inequality in education by introducing:

  • Education action zones
  • Aim higher programmes
  • Educational maintenance allowance
  • Increased funding for state education
• Conservative policies post 2010

  Reflect neo-liberal thinking about reducing the role of the state, and therefore moving away from the comprehensive system
• Academies

  1. All schools encouraged to become academies

  2. Some funded by privately-owned chains

  3. Some funded by central government
• Free schools


  State-funded but set up and run by parents, teachers, religious groups or businesses
• Spending cuts

  There have been cuts in government spending on education (Eg. in areas such as Sure Start, EMA, school building)
• Parliament have discussed the reintroduction of grammar schools