The authors examine two main research issues. First, they focus on the way in which funds for education are targeted on disadvantage at the level of the local education authority (LEA). They explore the relationship between various indicators of disadvantage and national test and public...

This paper presents an evaluation of the voucher scheme for 4-year-olds introduced during 1996-1997 in England and Wales. The scheme is evaluated in terms of its stated objectives of promoting parental choice, a diversity of providers and high standards of education. The overall findings suggest...

This article explores the policy changes made by the Labour government to the recurrent funding of school-based education in England, focusing in particular on the allocation of resources to meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils. Expenditure on education and, in particular, on schools has...

We examine decentralisation in school-based education, with particular reference to two countries, Germany and the UK. In section 2 we explore the notions of devolution and decentralisation. We examine different types of decentralisation and some of the ideas with which it is associated...