Education Reforms in England and Wales

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive history of state education in England and Wales and asks why state education was delayed longer in these two countries than in other developed nations. Section 1 provides a history of early church and private schools and traces Britain's educational development up to the reforms of 1988. From the year 600 to 1988 the varied and complex school systems show that England and Wales educated their elites but delayed extending higher education to the working class until the 1960s and 1970s. Then the countries attempted to equalize educational opportunities largely through comprehensive schools. Section 2 explains school structure, organization, administration, and changes under the Education Reform Act of 1988 (ERA) and offers insight into education policy changes that show a change of direction from a child-centered, progressive, teacher-guided system to the conservative, differentiated, central government-directed, industry-serving school system of today. Section 3 provides a glossary of abbreviations, acronyms, and commonly used terms in education in England and Wales. (NL)