ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the future of Labour Party education policies. It examines the Labour Party manifesto for the general election 2001. The chapter looks at four educational issues: equality and education; assessment and selection; the comprehensive ideal and independent schools; and citizenship education and changing the culture of schools. In 1944 the Education Act remained neutral about comprehensive schools; and in 1945 the Labour government missed the opportunity of giving a decisive lead when it implemented the 1944 policy of 'secondary education for all'. In higher education, the Labour Party is on the right lines in wanting a higher participation rate, especially for working-class students but there must be a clearer policy on university admissions systems, including an element of positive discrimination. The education of teachers and teacher professionalism is of crucial importance in a modern education system.
