Education Reform Act 1988 The most important piece of education legislation since 1944

There are 6 main features  A National Curriculum  National Tests at 7, 11 and 14  Local Management of school budgets (LMS)  Opting Out (Grant Maintained schools)  City Technology Colleges  Ofsted – a new inspection regime for schools

The National Curriculum  A government sanctioned common curriculum for pupils aged 5 – 16.  Shifted responsibility for what was to be taught away from teachers to central government.  Three core and seven foundation subjects  Previously teachers worked out schemes of work they deemed appropriate for their pupils.

National Tests  Compulsory National tests (SATS) were introduced at 7, 11 and 14  Results published annually in league tables (along with GCSE/A levels and truancy statistics).  Schools can now be compared directly in terms of this data  Previously pupil progress was tracked by teacher assessments

Local Management of Schools  Management responsibility for school budgets taken away from LEAs and given to individual schools (Head Teachers).  Much greater flexibility and responsibility now on Heads

Grant Maintained Schools  State schools were given the option under the ERA to opt out completely from LEA control.  If the majority of parents voted for such a step newly formed GM schools had complete control over their budgets and how the school was run

City Technology Colleges (CTCs)  A new type of school was set up in the inner cities  CTCs specialising in technology, the arts, maths and science set up in inner city areas  CTCs are independent of LEA and were intended to be financed by local industry

Ofsted  The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) was set up.  “Rigorous” school inspections every 6 years  Emphasis on inspection rather than support.  Aggressive system of naming and shaming and placing into “special measures” for “failing schools”

Task  For the 6 Key areas of Reform think of arguments in favour and against each item  Key Question: Has the ERA improved the quality of education in the UK?  Back to Education Lessons Menu Back to Education Lessons Menu