Foreword by Professor Priscilla Wohlstetter, Teachers College Columbia University Preface Chapter 1: A global trend Chapter 2: Independent state-funded schools in England Chapter 3: Phoenix rising from the ashes Chapter 4: Results, results, results Chapter 5: Like plastic dogs nodding Chapter 6: A turbulent year Chapter 7: The reality of local autonomy Chapter 8: Analysing global developments Chapter 9: Where next for autonomous schools? Appendix: Notes on inquiry methods References

Over recent years, education systems across the globe have experimented with the concept of the autonomous school. This takes a variety of forms and the schools involved have different titles, such as charter schools in the USA, academies in England, free schools in Sweden and independent public schools in Australia. As this radical trend in policy gains momentum, Inside the Autonomous School considers whether the model is achieving its desired aims. Drawing on evidence from an in-depth, longitudinal study of an academy located in an urban district in England, this book traces the various developments which took place in the school on its journey from `failing', to achieving an inspection rating of `outstanding'. The authors present a rich, first-hand account of the impacts that various policies and practices have had on the autonomous school and at the same time, situate their accounts and analyses within a wider national and international context. This leads them to consider what can be done to ensure that school autonomy consistently promotes excellence and equity within education systems.