School performance, league tables and social geography

The publication of school league tables has stimulated an educational debate which revolves around the contributions of a range of factors to the 'outcomes' as measured by pupil and school performance in public examinations. Undoubtedly, a range of factors affect this performance but here the continuing relevance of home circumstances and social background is demonstrated. Detailed analyses at a number of aggregate levels are used to show this effect, using a case study area in South Wales. Further, it is shown that the introduction of parental choice has produced a reaction to league tables in a form that widens disparities already present in the educational system. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.