Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Helen Gunter Filed Under: All posts Posted:
This week the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its report comparing education systems worldwide and its Head of Education questioned the evidence for selection as a way of improving schools. Those who attended grammar schools such as Theresa May, argues Helen Gunter, make claims disconnected from research evidence and based on their […]
By Steve Courtney Filed Under: All posts, Featured Posted:
The academisation of the English state school system has arguably been the most significant structural reform since comprehensivisation hit its peak in the 1970s. The academies programme had its roots in the City Colleges programme, legislated in 1988 but with only 15 opening owing to considerable expectations of investment from the private sector. Its failure […]
By Helen Gunter Filed Under: All posts, Featured Posted:
Four years on from the bonfire of the quangos, non-elected consultants are still playing a significant role within government, says Prof Helen Gunter. The focus on leadership as the solution for improving public services continues to dominate reform. And aligned to this is the whole concept of ‘consultocracy’, a term first coined by Hood and Jackson to underline the […]
By Ruth Lupton Filed Under: Featured Posted:
England’s education system is undergoing rapid change under Michael Gove, but little has been heard from Labour about its own plans. During Manchester Policy Week 2013, Professor Ruth Lupton took part in a debate on Labour’s achievements, and what it might do now. There was profound disagreement among the academics involved. But despite this, she argues […]