Are English children able to grasp grammar better or worse than that of children in other countries? Are they better or worse at numeracy than their neighbours? Does the English education system measure up to the challenge from its competitors? This is an examination of the education system in England as compared with neighbouring countries, such as France. This text shows what pupils in England and France are doing in the classroom and what standards they achieve. The voices of the pupils themselves articulate numerous perceptions.

The result of a research project, this work, an attempt to report on what has actually been happening in our schools, answers such questions as: what difference have education reforms made to pupils' experience in schools? and how has recent education pol

A comprehensive analysis of the work of teachers as it impinges on children, colleagues, other professionals, managers, parents, the community, and educational policy. In the process it relates theoretical perspectives to 15 detailed case studies.