Educational Policy Flashcards
Educational policy: In a nutshell
Educational policy has had a profound impact on society. There has been a shift in policy from the 1940’s where the tripartite system existed, legitimising inequality in education, to the new system of comprehensive schooling introduced in 1965. Although the New Labour policies sought to reduce inequality, the conservative policies have reintroduced a system of inequality by encouraging privatisation and marketisation.
Policies through the years: 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.
Policies through the years: The comprehensive system
Introduced in 1965, abolished the 11+ and all pupils attended the same local comprehensive school.
Policies through the years: Marketisation policies
League tables - schools with good results encourage the best (usually middle-class pupils). Less successful schools end up with less-able pupils.
The funding formula - schools are funded on how many pupils they recruit, so good schools get more money, and can improve staffing/resources.
Policies through the years: New labour policies 1977 - 2010
New Labour aimed to reduce inequality in education by introducing:
-Education Action Zones
-Aim Higher programmes
-Education Maintenance Allowance for poorer 16-18-year-olds
-Increased funding for state education
Policies through the years: Conservative policies post 2010
Conservative policies since 2010 have reflected neo-liberal thinking about reducing the role of the state, and therefore moving away from the comprehensive system.
- Academies - all schools encouraged to become academies, some funded by privately-owned chains, 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).
-Grammar schools - parliament have discussed the reintroduction of grammar schools.
