Social policies

New right view of education

sociologists: chubb and moe

Said that educational standards are low due to little choice, they recommended a voucher system to spend in the school of their choice (school receives funding per pupil). Creating competition between schools.

Forster education act (1870)

aims - to improve skills for an industrial society

features - introduced free state education for all children aged 5-12 (primary education)

butler education act 1944

aims - to ensure a meritocracy

introduced - free secondary education (ages 11-15), tripartite system (grammar schools, secondary modern schools and technical schools), access by ability (had to sit an 11+ exam)

impacts - increased social inequality as middle class children more likely to pass the 11+ due to affording tutoring and parents existing knowledge, middle class dominated grammar schools, selected for schools by class not ability.

expansion of comprehensives (1965)

aims - increase equality of opportunity

features - abolished tripartite system, one school for all, no selection, access by area

impacts - no selection so more inclusive, streaming/setting labelled inequalities became tripartite system under one roof, wealthy catchment areas had better schools.

1988 education reform act

aim - to raise standards - influenced my chubb and moe by conservative gov

features - introduced marketisation to drive up standards

impacts - allowed choice, increased inequality due to cream skimming and silt shifting and the myth of parentocracy

New labour govt policies 1997-2010

aims - tackle inequality

features - introduced EMA for post 16 education, aim higher campaign, sure start centres for early years, academies to fund inadequate schools, however introduced uni tuition fees

impacts - wider participation in FE ans HE, disadvantaged groups being supported, contradictory policies (tuition fees)

Coalition Govt policies 2010-2015

features - EMA replaced with bursary, tuition fees tripled, growth or academies reducing state control, free schools, A* grade added, free school meals, pupil premium

impacts - some funding for disadvantaged children, increased social inequality due to funding cuts, middle class benefit, sure start closures

conservative part from 2015

features - continuous growth of academies, free schools, wanted an expansion of grammar schools free fir everyone but still selective

impacts - still economic support for disadvantaged groups, middle class still benefit from choice so social inequality still occurs

labours plan for schools 2024 onwards

main aim - raising standards for every child

policies proposed - diagnosing neurodivergent disorders earlier, free school meals, free breakfast clubs in primary schools, hiring more teachers