Inside the Autonomous School

Inside the Autonomous School: Making Sense of a Global Educational Trend Over recent years, education systems across the globe have experimented with the concept of the autonomous school. As this radical policy trend gains in momentum, Inside the Autonomous School considers whether this model is achieving its desired aims. Drawing on evidence from an in-depth, longitudinal study of an academy located in an inner-city area in the UK, this book traces the various developments which took place in the school on its journey from 'failing', to an Ofsted rating of 'outstanding'. The authors present a rich, first-hand account of the impacts that various policies and practices have had on the autonomous school and at the same time, situate their accounts and analyses within a wider national and international context. Ultimately, the book considers what can be done to ensure that school autonomy consistently promotes excellence and equity within education systems. A fascinating read and invaluable resource for practitioners and policy makers in the field of education, Inside the Autonomous School sheds much needed light on an increasingly established policy which is set to have far-reaching effects. Maija Salokangas is Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Mel Ainscow is Professor of Education and Co-director of the Centre for Equity in Education at the University of Manchester, UK. --