School Choice in Scotland and England: Divergent Paths and Different Destinations

Lawrence Wishart. Central Books Building, Freshwater Road, Chadwell Heath, London RM8 1RX, UK. Tel: 44-20-8597-0090; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://journals.lwbooks.co.uk/forum

Y

8

Foreign Countries; School Choice; Educational Practices; Family Involvement; Experience; Outcomes of Education; School Segregation; Stress Variables; Anxiety; Differences; Educational Policy

United Kingdom (Scotland); United Kingdom (England)

10.3898/forum.2023.65.1.08

0963-8253

Increasing school choice has been an active objective of policy in England but not in Scotland. Whereas in England all families are expected to list a rank ordering of schools, in Scotland the vast majority of children attend their catchment school by default. This article reviews the differences in approach, family experience and outcomes between the two countries. It argues that choice in England has delivered at best modest educational gains, exacerbated school segregation and generated unnecessary stress and anxiety for the families that undergo the process.

As Provided

2023

EJ1371524