The Education Reform Act 1988 in England and Wales introduced significant changes to the education system, shifting towards a more market-based and competitive model. It established a National Curriculum, standardized testing (SATs and GCSEs), league tables, and increased parental choice in school selection. This Act aimed to improve educational standards by introducing market mechanisms and parental choice, fostering competition among schools.
Key Changes Introduced by the Act:
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National Curriculum:A standardized curriculum for state schools was implemented, covering core subjects like English, math, and science.
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Key Stages:The curriculum was structured around key stages, with assessments at the end of each stage (7, 11, and 14).
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Standardized Testing:SATs and GCSEs were introduced to assess student progress and create league tables.
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Parental Choice and Open Enrollment:Parents were given more freedom to choose schools for their children, rather than being assigned by local authorities.
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Marketization:The act promoted a competitive market in education, where schools would strive to attract students through academic performance and other factors.
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Local Management of Schools (LMS):Schools were given more control over their budgets and operations, reducing the direct control of local education authorities.
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Grant-Maintained Schools:Schools could opt out of local authority control and receive funding directly from the central government.
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City Technology Colleges (CTCs):These institutions were established to promote technological education and innovation.