Educational Policy

Question 1

Policies through the years (Tripartite system)

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Policies through the years (Comprehensive System)

Answer 2

Introduced in 1965, abolished the 11+ and all pupils attended the same local comprehensive school.

Question 3

Policies through the years (Marketisation policies)

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Policies through the years (New Labour ‘97- 2010)

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Policies through the years (Conservative post 2010)

Answer 5

Conservative policies reflected neo-liberal thinking about reducing the role of the state:

• 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.