Introduction
General elections in 2010 have undoubtedly ushered in a new era and the phrase “post-political times” has been used by some commentators. Could such a political new deal have induced different education policies? We will first consider England with the Labour Party and the coalition government. We will then study Wales and Scotland since 1999 as their management of this devolved matter may have contributed to this process. A number of factors will be taken into account, relating to the education system with types of schools, providers and the balance of power, particularly regarding central and local governments, to the curriculum (more particularly the basics or 3 Rs), testing, league tables, attitudes towards parents and teachers, and access to higher education.
English Education Policies
To analyse English education policies, let us first turn to the Labour Party as it was in power until May 2010. Its manifesto for the 2010 general elections offered more of the same...
