Examines how British school managers operating within a market culture seek to identify parental perspectives, so that these can influence school decision making. The three secondary schools studied varied in openness to parental viewpoints. Managers relied heavily on informal, ad hoc means of feedback, rather than systematic and planned…

Argues from a modified libertarian position that diversity and choice in school education are desirable unless some convincing argument and evidence can be shown that the costs greatly outweigh the benefits and any costs incurred cannot be reduced or overcome by limited state intervention. (MJP)