Reinventing Schools, Reforming Teaching

‘A ripping good read benefitting as it does from extensive research amongst the main actors responsible for shaping the educational landscape over the last twenty years. The authors have constructed a compelling narrative detailing with the tortuous and sometimes convoluted route pursued by education policy makers and civil servants over the last two decades. The book provides both original insights and intelligent commentary.’ – Sir William Atkinson, Headteacher Phoenix High School, Hammersmith and Fulham

‘Education, education, education! No administration can have ever set out its stall more clearly than the incoming Labour Government of 1997. This wonderfully informative book details the triumphs and disappointments that characterised the thirteen years that followed. In doing so it provides an invaluable guide to the do’s and don’ts of what should continue to be a defining policy focus for any ambitious Government in the twenty first century.’ – Lord David Puttnam, Film producer and Labour politician

‘Here is a "behind the public facade" insight into how education policy makers at the turn of the millennium were really behaving and thinking as they attempted to shape the future of our schools. Easy to read and with illuminating commentary. Any student of educational policy will want to have a copy.’ – Sir Tim Brighouse

‘This book is a delicious mix of fresh insights and high-class gossip about education policy-making under New Labour. Key figures speak with startling frankness as the authors uncover the real story behind changes that affected the lives of every child and teacher.’ – Judith Judd, former editor of the Times Educational Supplement

‘This is a terrific book. It asks the question: how can bad policy be formulated by so many, for so long, over successive governments? If we are ever to learn how to improve schools and enhance the profession of teaching we must look at the mistakes of the past, so well documented here, and learn lessons from them.’ –David Berliner, Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University

‘A must read for anyone who is interested in an empirical look at the long-term effects of educational policy at a national level. The nuanced reflections of those who participated in policy and those who experienced the consequences of policy make this book timely not only for England, but also for every other country that is struggling to improve education.’ – Karen Seashore, University of Minnesota, US

'For anyone interested in how government really works and the myriad of factors that go into making policy, this book offers a treasure trove of insights based on candid commentary from those who were really there. It should be read by everyone who wants to understand education policy, whether in England or beyond.' – Ben Levin, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Education Leadership and Policy Deputy Minister of Education for Ontario, Canada

‘Those now concerned with shaping education policy should read this book! I love the well-documented emphasis it gives to the importance of teachers. It is teachers who deliver and determine the quality of education, and it is to them politicians must turn as they look for a way to raise pupil attainment.’ – Baroness Pauline Perry, Conservative politician and former Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector