′This book should be compulsory reading, not only for people interested in the history of education policy but also for policy makers, to remind them of what has gone before′
-Dr Andrew Townsend, University of Nottingham

From Butler to Balls and beyond, this essential book illuminates educational issues in England and Wales since WWII, drawing on extensive documentary evidence. Inside you will find in-depth interviews with former Secretaries of State for Education and other key decision-makers, including:

- Ed Balls

- David Blunkett

- Michael Gove

- Alan Johnson

- Ruth Kelly

The interviews cover the historical context of their period of office and the lasting legacy of their policies.

This is a must-read for Masters-level students on Education courses and PGCE programmes, and will be valuable to undergraduates studying modern history and social policy.

Ian Abbott is Director of the Warwick Institute of Education.

Mike Rathbone was previously Director of Continuing Professional Development in the Institute of Education.

Phil Whitehead is the course leader for the secondary PGCE (Teach First).

All are at the University of Warwick.