ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how the ten local education authorities (LEAs) were chosen for in-depth study. A preliminary survey of some authorities' contrasting experiences of reorganisation informed the selection of ten LEA case studies, which provide a basis for comparisons and contrasts. An effort was made to ensure that the ten case-study LEAs reflected a measure of political diversity. A small number of studies, investigating local comprehensive reorganisation, have been of assistance. For convenience and to conserve space, it was found useful to group some of the case studies where it is felt that the processes of comprehensive reorganisation were similar. This enabled development of a number of contrasting models. A major theme that pervades this entire review is the high degree of local influence on the reorganisation process, and there was a great deal of variation in the forms of the comprehensive schools that were established.
