The document outlines several key education policies in the UK, including the 1944 Education Act which introduced tripartite schools, comprehensive schools in the 1960s, and the 1988 Education Act which introduced school competition and league tables. New Labour's 1997 policy focused on specialist schools, academies, beacon schools, education action zones, and increasing access to higher education and vocational qualifications.

1. Education Policies You have been learning about different and very distinct education policies A policy is any initiative/plan of action created by a government or any management team working in a formal structure What are the various education policies you’ve learnt?

2. Policies are: 1944 Education Act which introduced the tripartite system of schools in England and Wales 1960s policy of introducing of comprehensive schools in a significant number of LEAs

3. Policies continued 1988 Education Act and ‘Raising Standards’ by New Labour from 1997 The 1988 Education Act introduced the marketisation of education. This is where schools are encouraged to compete against each other in the same way Tesco’s competes with Sainsbury’s The information for this competition comes from:

4. 1988 Education Act School League Tables Ofsted reports The National Curriculum Vocational Qualifications Parental choice SATS Literacy and Numerarcy hours

5. New Labour’s Educational Policy 1997 onwards Increase in Specialist Schools – where a school can promote its particular strength Creation of Academies – these are state maintained ‘independent schools’ which get money from governments and businesses Creation of Beacon Schools – these are leading state schools which help weaker state schools Creation of Trust Schools Education Action Zones these are located in deprived urban areas for example Sure Start programmes Introduction of Vocational GCSEs and A levels

6. New Labour’s Educational Policy 1997 onwards continued The introduction of the EMA Labour pledged to get 50% of young people into Higher Education (university) by 2010 Extending the school leaving age to 18 The creation of a 14-19 curriculum from September 2008 which introduced new A level type Diplomas, Apprenticeships' and partnerships with firms and colleges By C Thompson christhomp@aol.com