The result of a research project, this work, an attempt to report on what has actually been happening in our schools, answers such questions as: what difference have education reforms made to pupils' experience in schools? and how has recent education policy impacted on children today?

Andrew Pollard is Professor of Education Policy and Practice and supports educational research at the IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, UK. He was Director of the UK-wide Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP).