A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What major educational change occurred due to the Austerity Programme under the Coalition government?

1. Increased funding for all schools

2. Reduction in public spending on education

3. Elimination of academies

4. Expanding the Sure Start program

The correct answer is: Reduction in public spending on education

The correct choice highlights a significant shift in policy direction during the Coalition government's Austerity Programme, which was characterized by a deliberate reduction in public spending across various sectors, including education. This decrease in funding impacted local authorities and schools, leading to budget cuts that affected resources, staff numbers, and educational programs. In contrast, increased funding for all schools would contradict the central premise of austerity measures, as these aimed to reduce public expenditure, not increase it. The elimination of academies is also inconsistent with the Coalition's educational reforms, which encouraged the establishment of more academies as a means of increasing school autonomy. Similarly, expanding the Sure Start program does not align with austerity policies, as these generally involved reducing expenditures rather than increasing investment in early childhood programs. Overall, the Austerity Programme represented a significant pullback in government funding and investment in the education sector.