This is a key textbook for Education Studies that provides an insight into some of the issues and dilemmas that currently face education both from a UK perspective and internationally. Section 1 considers whether reform changes have really been for the better, with chapters on academies and the privatisation of education; standards and testing; and the choices for parents: public or private education for their children.Section 2 looks at issues concerning marginalization and education. Here authors focus on faith schools; inner city education; and two studies on the marginalization of white working class children and those from a Romany background.Section 3 considers pressing global issues. The first chapter looks to Europe to explore social pedagogy and looked after children. Another chapter considers the impact of AIDS in Southern Africa in an attempt to draw out lessons for the reader concerned about education at all levels. The final chapter seeks to evaluate the US policy No Child Left Behind. In each chapter issues are introduced to the reader and explored from a critical perspective. Full pedagogical features such as case studies, boxes for further reading and key questions are given throughout, making this text an engaging course companion for scholars of Education Studies.