First published in 1997, this study examines the trend towards markets in UK schools, with a particular focus on fee-paying schools in South Wales, by outlining the varied economic and political arguments both for and against increased parental choice and exploring parents' real reasons for using fee-paying schools.

Part 1. Introducing the Research. 1. Markets in Education. 2. The Prevailing Evidence. 3. The Need for a Fresh Approach. 4. The Sampling Frame. Part 2. Researching the Established Market. 5. Outline Methodology. 6. The Schools and their Users. 7. The Choice Criteria. Part 3. The Process of Choice. 8. Family Influences on Choice. 9. The Three Step Model. 10. What are they Paying For? Part 4. Whither Market Forces in Education? 11. Conclusions and Implications.