Policy Press

Educational Collateral Damage

Disadvantaged Students, Exclusion and Social Justice

By Anton McLean

Published

Apr 11, 2024

Page count

196 pages

ISBN

978-1447371991

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 11, 2024

Page count

196 pages

ISBN

978-1447372004

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 11, 2024

Page count

196 pages

ISBN

978-1447372004

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Educational Collateral Damage

Why do disadvantaged students continue to get a poor deal as they progress through England’s education system?

Challenging orthodox thinking about school exclusion, this book powerfully advocates for a fairer education system for disadvantaged students. It argues that the current conceptualisation of ‘exclusion’ – physically removing the student from the school – is insufficient. This approach fails to recognise the layers of exclusion that these students encounter. Students can be excluded within their schools (inner exclusion), not just from school (outer exclusion).

Drawing on student experiences of exclusion and the perspectives of senior leaders, including the author who is a Head of School, this book demonstrates how we can create a fairer education system for disadvantaged students.

“A must-read for all those concerned about growing inequalities in education. Its compelling message on school exclusions, and the damage inflicted on disadvantaged young people, should be read by everyone involved in education.” Diane Reay, University of Cambridge

Anton McLean has taught in state secondary schools for over 10 years, and is a Head of School in London. He holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Cambridge.

Introduction: “Step Outside”

Part 1: Key Themes and Issues

1. Educational Collateral Damage

2. Disadvantaged Students

3. Exclusion

4. Social Justice

Part 2: Exclusion Experiences

5. Mainstream Space

6. Inner Exclusion Space

7. Outer Exclusion Space

8. “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”

Appendix: Methodological Notes