Anne West is Professor of Educational Policy in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and is also Director of the Centre for Educational Research.Hazel Pennell is a Research Fellow based in the Centre for Educational Research at the London School of Economics.

'a thorough and scholarly analysis of a subject that still doesn't quite occupy our mind and actions as it should ... This is a book for all policymakers, heads and teachers wanting to make a dent in the cycle of disadvantage.' - Tim Brighouse, Times Educational Supplement'For readers coming to educational achievement as interested parents, education or social science students, or members of the public, this book will make fascinating reading. For those well versed in educational research ... this book provides a useful and up-to-date summary of key research in each of the areas under discussion.' - Mary Thornton, Educational Review

• 1. What is underachievement? 2. Social background and achievement 3. Gender and achievement 4. Ethnic background and achievement 5. Other factors and achievement 6. School structures and achievement 7. School effectiveness research and achievement 8. Government policy and raising achievement 9. Schools raising attainment - case studies 10. Discussion and policy implications

Anne West is Professor of Educational Policy in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and is also Director of the Centre for Educational Research.Hazel Pennell is a Research Fellow based in the Centre for Educational Research at the London School of Economics.

'a thorough and scholarly analysis of a subject that still doesn't quite occupy our mind and actions as it should ... This is a book for all policymakers, heads and teachers wanting to make a dent in the cycle of disadvantage.' - Tim Brighouse, Times Educational Supplement'For readers coming to educational achievement as interested parents, education or social science students, or members of the public, this book will make fascinating reading. For those well versed in educational research ... this book provides a useful and up-to-date summary of key research in each of the areas under discussion.' - Mary Thornton, Educational Review

• 1. What is underachievement? 2. Social background and achievement 3. Gender and achievement 4. Ethnic background and achievement 5. Other factors and achievement 6. School structures and achievement 7. School effectiveness research and achievement 8. Government policy and raising achievement 9. Schools raising attainment - case studies 10. Discussion and policy implications

Anne West is Professor of Educational Policy in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and is also Director of the Centre for Educational Research.Hazel Pennell is a Research Fellow based in the Centre for Educational Research at the London School of Economics.

'a thorough and scholarly analysis of a subject that still doesn't quite occupy our mind and actions as it should ... This is a book for all policymakers, heads and teachers wanting to make a dent in the cycle of disadvantage.' - Tim Brighouse, Times Educational Supplement'For readers coming to educational achievement as interested parents, education or social science students, or members of the public, this book will make fascinating reading. For those well versed in educational research ... this book provides a useful and up-to-date summary of key research in each of the areas under discussion.' - Mary Thornton, Educational Review

• 1. What is underachievement? 2. Social background and achievement 3. Gender and achievement 4. Ethnic background and achievement 5. Other factors and achievement 6. School structures and achievement 7. School effectiveness research and achievement 8. Government policy and raising achievement 9. Schools raising attainment - case studies 10. Discussion and policy implications