Chapter 13: National Policies and Practices on ICT in Education: England

The Education Act of 1944 and subsequent amendments provide the basis for the management of all schools and colleges in England. The Act states that the statutory system of education must be a continuous progression divided into three distinct stages, namely primary, secondary, and further (including higher). The Education Reform Act (1988) established a National Curriculum and National Curriculum assessment in England.

Central government has authority and responsibility for the complete provision of the education service, for determining national policies, and for planning the direction of the system as a whole. The Secretary of State for Education and Skills is appointed by the Prime Minister and is accountable to Parliament for giving direction to and “controlling” the public education system and employment. A series of education acts and statutory instruments (or orders) made by the Secretary of State for Education and approved by Parliament forms the basis of England’s education legislation. At local level, policies are implemented by local education authorities (LEAs) and the schools’ governing bodies, together with further and higher education institutions.