The research presented in this report has explored the future role of local authorities (LAs), and the respective roles of schools, trusts and other partners within local education systems, in an increasingly academised education system in England. The research has focused on two aspects of the role of the LA where LAs have important statutory responsibilities: (1) Pupil place-planning; and (2) Support for vulnerable pupils. These are two important areas requiring local-system-wide co-ordination, and thus clarity about respective roles and responsibilities within local systems. The authors have used the term "local education system" to describe the connections between education and children's services within geographical LA boundaries. The research was carried out between May and October 2021. The authors approached the work in three phases: (1) Building the evidence base; (2) Testing emerging findings; and (3) Reporting. [This report was produced with Isos Partnership.]