In June 1995 the Open University's Centre for Educational Policy and Management hosted an ESRC-sponsored invitation seminar to discuss the impact of creating a more competitive educational environment. It brought together leading UK scholars, policy-influencers from central and local government teachers' unions, consumer bodies and overseas experts. This volume contains the research findings, key themes and concerns which emerged. It provides an insight into current understanding of a range of issues central to the analysis and evaluation of market-like systems in schooling. Topics discussed include: diversity and hierarchy amongst schools; parental criteria for choosing schools; the differential impact on advantaged and disadvantaged families; national and international variations in educational policies; and rules and practices concerning school admissions. Implications for future research and for educational policy are highlighted and the final chapter provides an overview of key themes and issues. This book will interest all those involved in educational policy, researchers, students, headteachers and other senior managers in schools.