Topics explained

1) A data list. This is a list of links to statistics and information from official sources. For each link there is: a short description of what you will find if you follow the link, the date it was published and the source or type of publication from which the data was obtained. The data lists have been divided into sections. Please note that some topics will not have data entered in every one of the sections. Each section is arranged in reverse date order so you will come to the most recent information first.

2) A short commentary. This highlights some of the current issues and provides direct links to some of the data. The intention is to provide a framework to enable you to find your way through the huge mass of education facts and figures which are available.

What each topic includes

Attendance

Attendance/absences and exclusions. Truancy. Initiatives to combat truancy and exclusions.

Curriculum

Information about the curriculum, including the National Curriculum subjects.

Early Years

Places available and initiatives to improve educational opportunities for 0 to 5 year olds.

Funding

Finance and funding at all levels from the international to national, local authority and within schools.

International

How the UK education system compares internationally. This topic list is limited at present. The intention is to expand it.

Post-compulsory Education

Education for 16 to 18 year olds in schools and colleges; Further Education; Higher Education; Adult Basic Education; and training in Information Technology. Work related learning is included but not all parliamentary answers about specific skills.

Resources

The upgrading, repair and building of schools, school playing fields and other sports facilities and resources such as books and computers. Class size and pupil teacher ratios nationally and by local authority.

Social and Parental Issues

Free school meals, nutrition, safety in schools and school trips. Results published by percentage of pupils receiving free school meals. Other links between standards, admissions (schools and Higher Education) and social factors. Disruptive behaviour and initiatives to combat it. Key sites and issues of particular interest to parents: for example, home school agreements, extended schools and homework clubs.

Special Needs

Individual educational needs including SEN and able children. Initiatives targeting children with specific needs, e.g. summer schools.

Staff

Information and statistics on the numbers of teachers and other staff (by local authority, subject area, etc.) and on teacher training. Other information of particular interest to teachers.

Standards and Assessment

Results of children in SATs at all key stages, GCSEs and A levels – classified in a number of ways, e.g. nationally, by local authority, by school type. Targets for results in future years.

Structure and Governance

Structure, administration and governance of the education system. Administration of the DfES and local authorities. The different types of schools, e.g. community, foundation, voluntary aided, selective, etc. The training and remit of governors. Admissions criteria, places available and appeals for early years, primary, secondary and higher education.