2. Education Policy + Inequality

What is comprehensive education?

A non-selective system where all pupils attend the same school to reduce class inequality.

What are criticisms of comprehensive education?

It may 'dumb down' brighter pupils and reproduce inequality through setting and streaming.

What did the 1988 Education Reform Act introduce?

Marketisation, with competition, National Curriculum, SATs, League Tables, Open Enrolment, and Formula Funding.

How did marketisation increase inequality?

MC parents used capital to access better schools; meritocracy became a myth.

What policies did New Labour (1997-2010) continue?

Marketisation (league tables, choice), specialist schools, and OFSTED.

What new policies did New Labour introduce?

EMA to encourage post-16 study, city academies for failing schools, and tuition fees for university.

How did New Labour reinforce inequality?

Tuition fees widened class gaps despite EMA support.

What did the Coalition Government (2010+) change?

Expanded marketisation and privatisation, increased academies, and introduced free schools.

What are criticisms of free schools?

They often benefit middle-class pupils and increase inequality.

What happened to EMA and tuition fees under the Coalition?

EMA was scrapped and tuition fees were tripled, deepening inequality.

What exam reforms did the Coalition introduce?

Tougher GCSEs and A-levels; A-levels were decoupled from AS levels.

What is the Pupil Premium?

Funding for disadvantaged pupils; criticised as underfunded and ineffective.

How has privatisation impacted education?

Private firms gained contracts for running schools, exams, and other services.

What is the role of globalisation in education?

Global firms (e.g., Pearson) operate internationally, creating a global education market.

What are criticisms of privatisation and globalisation?

Public funds serve private profit; disadvantaged students often miss out.