In this paper a model is presented of the determinants of selected outcomes of secondary education at local authority level in England. The purpose is to quantify the relative effects of different types of influence, particularly policy variables and socioeconomic environmental variables. This model is used to assess the feasibility and implications of applying an approach which involves an explicit goal of equalizing outcomes to the assessment of local expenditure needs. It is found that such a goal may be technically feasible, subject to a number of assumptions which should be investigated more fully. However, the redistribution of resources involved would pose considerable political difficulties.
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