Contemporary social policy with regard to education – A Level Sociology Eduqas Revision

Introduction of league tables: Stimulation of competition among schools as they’re judged and compared based on student performance.
Parental choice: Encouraging parents to act as consumers, choosing where to ‘shop’ for the best education for their children.
Competition and diversity among schools: Policies such as allowing schools to opt out of local authority control, creating academies and free schools, have increased diversity and competition among schools.

Private sector involvement: Increasing role of private sector companies, especially in aspects such as testing and school inspections.
Sponsorship of academies: Businesses and other private entities are encouraged to sponsor academies, asserting more private influence on education.
Tuition fees in higher education: Introduction of tuition fees and student loans for university education, shifting the cost from state to individuals.

Comprehensive education: Removal of selective grammar schools in favour of non-selective comprehensive schools intended to reduce class inequality.
Policies promoting multi-cultural education: For example, teaching of other cultures and languages in schools, and the introduction of anti-racist policies.
Policies to tackle gender inequality: Initiatives to encourage girls into science and engineering, and boys into literature and arts, for example.

National Curriculum: A standardised curriculum was introduced to ensure all pupils have a broad and balanced education.
Standardised Testing: Regular testing at key stages of education to ensure schools are meeting set standards.
Ofsted inspections: Regular school inspections to maintain standards and hold schools accountable.

International comparisons: The influence of international surveys such as PISA where countries’ educational performance is compared.
Promotion of English: The dominance of English language instruction in light of the globalisation and internationalisation of labour markets.
Influence of EU policies: Although UK has left the EU, previously there was policy influence in areas such as vocational training especially.