What is working in education in the UK - and what isn't? This book offers a highly readable guide to what the latest research says about improving young people's outcomes in pre-school, primary and secondary education. Never has this issue been more topical as the UK attempts to compete in the global economy against countries with increasingly educated and skilled work-forces. The book discusses whether education policy has really been guided by the evidence, and explores why the failings of Britain's educational system have been so resistant to change, as well as the success stories that have emerged.

Robert Cassen is Visiting Professor at the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics, UK and received an OBE for services to education in 2008.

Sandra McNally is Professor of Economics at the University of Surrey, UK, and Director of the Education and Skills Programme at the Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics, UK.

Anna Vignoles is Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge, UK. She is also a Research Associate at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, UK, and a Visiting Professor at the Institute of Education, London, UK.

1. Introduction 2. How did we get here? A selective history Robert Cassen 3. The early years Anna Vignoles 4. Parents and parenting Anna Vignoles 5. Schools: organisation, resources, and effectiveness Sandra McNally 6. What makes a good teacher? Robert Cassen 7. Reading and writing Robert Cassen 8. Numeracy and mathematics Sandra McNally 9. Special Educational Needs Anna Vignoles 10. IT in the classroom Robert Cassen 11. Vocational education Anna Vignoles