... restrict life chances for pupils from certain social groups. The discussion of education and equality, equality of opportunity, democracy or social justice has been one of the most debated educational issues of the last hundred years. Much of this discussion has been focused on the structure of the education system and children from different social backgrounds' access to it. As early as 1896 politically motivated groups were proposing reform in the education system, to provide equality of opportunity for children of all social circumstances. 'Our education system should be completely remodelled on such a basis as to secure the democratic principle of equality of opportunity',1 was a motion forwarded at the Trade Union Council. The English education system at this time was accessible only to the rich, elite members of society. It was the rise of left wing, socialist political party's, with support bases firmly rooted in the working classes that ...

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