This introductory textbook explores education policy, looking at where we came from, where we are and where we are going. In this introduction to educational policy, practice and the professional, the authors focus first on historical policy from the state's first interventions in education through to Thatcherism, and Blair's Education, Education, Education. They then explore the key contemporary policies of recent times and offers a critique on how they have worked in practice, before moving to look at the hysteria that often surrounds education policy, with focus on media representation and the effects this has for the teaching profession. Commentaries and case studies are presented throughout providing an accessible link to what it was really like to learn, teach and live at the time the policy was in place. This title is an essential reading for all undergraduate education studies students.

This introductory textbook explores education policy, looking at where we came from, where we are and where we are going.

'This book is written by experienced lecturers in the field of Education Studies. The authors present the study of policy as central to the understanding of our current education system and they make, what can be a difficult area for students, not only accessible but also compelling. The book provides students with a strategy for policy critique, a detailed history of policy development, a discussion of the development of teacher professionalism and an analysis of a range of current policy issues. I see this as a key text in education policy for students of education.' Steve Bartlett, Professor of Education Studies, University of Wolverhampton, UK