Equalisation and Improvement: Some Effects of Comprehensive Reorganisation in Scotland

Abstract

This study examines the effects of the later stages of comprehensive reorganisation in Scotland. Nationally representative samples show that standards of attainment rose, particularly among females and pupils of lower socioeconomic status (SES). The rise was faster than could be accounted for by the rise in average SES. Inequalities of attainment associated with SES varied between communities but, overall, they declined for both males and females. Female attainment moved ahead of male attainment. Creamed comprehensives did worse than uncreamed ones, but the longer that either creamed or uncreamed schools had been established as comprehensive the higher was their average attainment. Some implications for the reduction and reproduction of inequalities of attainment are discussed.