The State and Education Policy: The Academies Programme - Hardcover

'The Academies programme in England enjoys strong political support from economic neo-liberals. The evidence in its favour is mixed, at best. Helen Gunter's The State and Education Policy sets out the ideological, political, legal, historical and empirical basis of the programme. The collection is informed, coherent and critical; the contributions are scholarly and readable. It is altogether very impressive.' David Hartley, Professor of Professional Learning, University of Birmingham, UK 'This is an incredibly important book on an issue deserving of close scrutiny. It offers precisely the kind of deep analysis that should be mandatory before ill-considered strategies are embarked upon by ideologically-driven governments. It raises crucial questions central to the role of the state, civil society, and the place of private interests in educational policy and school reform.' John Smyth, Research Professor of Education, University of Ballarat, Australia

The well-editedcollection of papers by leading researchers and participants within a major reform process of the state and education system in particular. The shift from welfare based provision of public services to the quasi-market with private delivery and philanthropic investment is an issue that needs a thorough examination through evidence and rigorous argument. This book seeks to do this by not only charting events and providing detailed examination about what is happening but also by locating these developments within a contemporary political and social analytical framework. Topics covered include: the legal and political process of establishing Academies the working and impact of Academies using a range of data and perspectives the debates and issues regarding this major reform, with comparative perspectives. The book will show how the Academies Programme in England is an important site for examining the growth of neoliberal ideas and practices in the framing and delivery of public services such as education.