The author sees a return to elitism in the educational policies of Britain's present Conservative Government. She analyzes two Parliamentary bills designed to reverse the 1976 comprehensive schools act and, in the name of parent choice, to establish new selective secondary school entry rules and to subsidize private education. (SJL)

Considers the criticism that recent reforms involving school choice and diversity do not adequately address issues of educational equity in Great Britain. Outlines a series of three reforms that could make the system more equitable given the assumption that school choice is desirable. Examines and criticizes these assumptions. (MJP)

Discusses the introduction and implementation of the 1988 Education Reform Act for England and Wales. Traces the attempts of several existing private schools to become grant maintained (eligible for various forms of government support). Most private and faith-based schools have not been successful in this endeavor. Discusses the reasons for this.…

Examines the controversy surrounding two established practices in British education: the support of religious denominational schools by government grant and the provision of religious education and collective worship within maintained non-church schools. Explores arguments which appeal to the changing character of British society to conclude that…

Provides an overview of recent British educational policy regarding "specialization" (school choice given to parents) and "selection" (student placement by ability or interest, controlled by the school). Specifically discusses the Assisted Places Scheme, a program granting need- and ability-based scholarships to academically…

Considers the extent to which grant-maintained schools (state-supported but self-governing) in Britain have contributed to the diversification of the system. Argues that the private schools have yet to provide programs that are innovative or ground breaking. Includes excerpts from interviews with nine grant-maintained school headmasters. (MJP)

Argues that much of the recent scholarship on school choice, marketization, and diversity has ignored issues of gender. Provides an overview of several recent studies examining gender issues and parents' perspectives on school choice. Maintains that gender is a significant, if often, contradictory factor in these decisions. (MJP)

Discusses the blurring of boundaries between state and private education system that has occurred since 1979 in Britain. Notes that the system has always maintained degrees of support for private and state-supported education. Investigates the social and political influences involved in the implementation of school vouchers and the 1988…

Examines some of the effects of the creation of an educational market, based on parental school choice, on ethnic minority students. Argues that the new market framework which encourages separation and competition has begun to affect the education of minority students in mostly negative ways. (MJP)