School diversity and social justice: policy and politics

Abstract

This paper focuses on the long established diversity in the English education system – independent schools, grammar schools and religious schools – and in so doing explores tensions between education policy, politics and social justice. It explores the differential access to these different types of school, their social composition and implications for social justice and for wider society. It is argued that if social justice is to be a goal of government, further policy changes are needed over and above those that have already been made. However, the political challenges, which have limited policy changes to date, would be significant.

Keywords:

• independent schools
• private schools
• grammar schools
• religious schools
• faith schools
• social justice

Notes

1. Authors’ estimate from DfES data (2006a).

2. In January 2006 there were 28 Jewish primary and eight secondary schools; four Muslim primary and two secondary schools; one Sikh primary and one secondary school; and one primary and one secondary school classified as being “other” (DfES 2006a).