Ken Jones provides a plausible and clear overview for the beginner reader in history and sociology of education...The writing is extremely accessible. A great strength is that the book could introduce a novice in the field to important ideas with a minimum of fuss ... Overall, this is a timely and very well written book, providing a clear and provocative a mapping of the field. Political Studies Review 'In this beautifully crafted book, Ken Jones offers an eloquent, compelling and richly textured exposition of the shifting social, cultural and political struggles and collisions that have constituted the messy dynamic of educational change in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland since 1944. This absolutely stunning text deserves to become a classic.' -- Sharon Gewirtz, Centre for Public Policy Research, King's College London 'This book offers an elegant and incisive cultural analysis in education, rooted in historical understanding and distinguished by careful attention to the significance of different within the various national systems of the UK. The analysis is unique in its comparative grounding, which highlights the peculiarities of the English and offers opportunities for policy learning to policy researchers, practitioners and policy--makers alike. In describing and illuminating the differentiated and exclusionary education spaces of schooling in England, Ken Jones reminds us that there are alternatives, and in so doing contributes to our understating of the relationship between national education policy and possibilities for practice in a globalizing age.' -- Jenny Ozga, Centre for Educational Sociology, University of Edinburgh