This document discusses the new UK Coalition government's agenda to reform education through greater school choice and parental involvement. It outlines the government's stated goals of developing education within a localism and "big society" framework. However, it notes that previous governments' localism agendas ultimately resulted in greater central control. The document considers arguments for and against greater diversity in education provision through privately established schools and more parental power, but questions whether certain assumptions around demand, resources, and efficiency are robust. It acknowledges both potential benefits and risks of this approach based on historical examples.