Choice and selection are now cornerstones of education policies wherever these have been shaped by market economics. Now, as never before, schools can face uncertain futures, because their survival is determined by external factors such as admission policies and parental preferences. Because of the link between schooling, and housing and other public sector services, the implications of increasing choice extends well beyond education.Schools, Markets and Choice Policies brings together the findings of the most comprehensive research ever conducted into choice in secondary education, and provides in-depth context, analysis and discussion. In assessing the impact of choice policies not only upon the education system itself, but also upon wider society, it provides valuable insights into economic and social segregation.A groundbreaking contribution to the debate on the role of choice and market economies in education, this book is essential reading for anyone involved in determining or implementing education policy at all levels.

Part 1: Introduction to the debates 1. Markets in public policy: the case of school composition 2. Introducing two debates about markets in education Part 2: School choice and equity 3. What is social segregation and how do we measure it? 4. Changes in the social composition of schools Part 3: School choice and standards 5. What is school performance and how do we measure it? 6. Describing trends in school performance Part 4: Explanation and case studies 7. The role of geography 8. The impact of school organisation 9. The role of the LEA 10. Market frustration for families and schools? 11. Re-appraising the impact of markets