British Private Schools

British private schools are a continuing topic of fascination for many. In particular, the leading so-called public schools have long been subjected both to criticism for their elitism and praise for their academic success. Traditionally, Conservative governments have strongly supported the private sector through special funding such as the Assisted Places Scheme, while Labour governments have reduced the private sector's support from the state and threatened to abolish it. However, the present new Labour government has reversed Labour's former oppostion to private schools and sought co-operation between the two sectors. This has led to an increasing interest in the realities of the private schools; and this book brings together the best of recently conducted research on the various aspects of private schooling, through a series of specially commissioned, previously unpublished essays.

Part 1 Historical perspectives: from Labour to new Labour - bridging the divide between state and private schooling, Ted tapper; the Trades Union Congress and the public schools, 1870-1970, Clive Griggs; planning enlightenment and dignity - the girls' schools, 918-58, Sara Delamont; intakes and examination results at state and private schools, Alice Sullivan and Anthony F. Heath. Part 2 Present-day private schools: teacher sickness absence in independent schools, Tony Bowers; use and ornament - girls in former boys' independent schools, Pauline Dooley and Mary Fuller; independent schools and chartible status - legal meaning, taxation advantages and potential removed, David Palfreyman; Muslim schools in Britain, Geoffrey Walford. Part 3 School and university choice: parental choice and involvement - private and state schools, Anne West and Philip Noden; economic aspirations, cultural replication and social dilemmas - interpreting parental choice of British private schools, Nick Foskett and Jane Hemsle-Brown; choice or chance - the university challenge how schools reproduce and produce social capital in the choice process, Lesley Pugsley.