The last eighteen years of central government reforms have transformed the role of local authorities in promoting better educational outcomes.

As the dust clears after the Educational and Inspections Act, we need to re-imagine the role of the local authority. Schools of Thought: How local authorities drive improved outcomes in education identifies the core skills that local authorities need to succeed in this new environment and makes recommendations about how to spread these skills across the whole country.

Focusing on case studies from twelve local authorities, the report assesses the role of local authorities under the new Act and argues that due to their democratic accountability, they are well-placed to take a holistic and joined-up approach in promoting better educational outcomes, ensuring that children arrive in the classroom in a fit state to learn.