How has education changed? A Brief History

How has education changed? Primary focus: England & Wales Role played by central government (‘the state’).

Tripartite system Butler’s Education Act 1944 Introduction of secondary education for all.

Grammar schools for the academic Technical schools for the artistic/creative Secondary Modern Schools for everyone else Place determined by the 11plus Parity of esteem

Problems Middle-class children were disproportionately selected for grammar schools. Working class self-esteem was damaged. Impact of negative ‘labelling’ was becoming increasingly recognised.

Problems IQ tests were thought to be culturally biased Very few technical schools were built Variations by gender Variations by region

: Labour Government Comprehensive reorganisation Comprehensive School: children educated irrespective of class, gender, ethnicity and ability… all under one roof!

Expansion of Higher Education Open University ‘Elite’ institutions remained in place (Oxbridge)

: Educational Priority Areas (EPAs) More cash for primary school teachers ‘Compensatory’ education: abandoned in the 1970’s

: School leaving age was raised to 16 Contrast emerged between ‘streaming’ and mixed ability teaching. Late 1960’s: Criticism of progressive teaching methods (neglected the 3 ‘R’s) Comprehensive system was criticised for an apparent lack of discipline, poor results and large class sizes

THATCHER! Emphasis of education changed YTS – ‘new vocationalism’ Re-focus on selection – Assisted Places Scheme (1980 onwards…) Rejection of local control – school policy was centralised.

Education Reform Act APS was expanded Introduction of the National Curriculum League Tables

New level of autonomy for schools Marketisation – parents could choose where to send their children. 1992: OFSTED! CTCs – City Technical Colleges

1997 onwards… New Labour Curriculum 2000: mix of vocational and academic Attempt to tackle ‘social exclusion’

1997 onwards… Diversity and ‘parity of esteem’ revisited Specialist Schools City Academies More recently: 14 – 19 agenda