'This excellent book considers the extent to which policy and practice, particularly in the UK, have led to a more equitable education system and ultimately to a fairer society. The ideas and arguments are extremely accessible, wide-ranging and well-informed. A welcome addition to the reading list and one that I can highly recommend' - Jane Bates, Programme Leader fo Education Studies, Manchester Metropolitan Univeristy

Inequalities can be experienced in different forms, from birth to school experiences to the many different modes of learning as we grow up.

This book focuses on educational experience as a lifelong and society-wide issue. The author draws on research, policy and contemporary thinking in the field to provide a comprehensive guide to the educational inequalities that may exist and persist throughout an individual's educational course.

Providing an international perspective on different ethnic, gender and social groups, the book covers a broad range of issues, including:

- theoretical, policy and research developments in the area

- inequalities that may exist during the years of schooling

- government policy

- beyond the school classroom

This book is essential reading for undergraduate students on Education-Studies programmes. It is also useful for students on Masters and Initial Teacher Education programmes.

Emma Smith is Reader in Education at the University of Birmingham