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Main image for the briefing: Britain should adopt Sweden's

Britain should adopt Sweden's "school choice" system

Michael Gove, the Conservatives' schools spokesman, has announced that his party would adopt the Swedish model of allowing parents' groups, charities and companies to set up their own state funded "free schools". These would then run themselves, with the government paying a set price for every pupil they attract.

The intention is to flood Britain’s stumbling education system with diversity, competition and excellence. If implemented, this plan would be revolutionary. But in a time when budgets are being cut, it’s hugely ambitious. And with Gove ruling out allowing schools to be run at a profit, we can’t be certain that many people will actually take the gamble of starting their own school.

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