This book presents the results of an Anglo-American enquiry into the transition of secondary schools from predominantly selective to predominantly comprehensive. Its main focus is two-fold: on the role of the Local Education Authorities and on the impact of the changes on the students. The study draws upon a range of documentary and historical sources, as well as information collected from the National Child Development Study of pupils born in March 1958. A review of the overall process of change, together with in-depth studies of ten Local Authorities, show how different forces influenced the decisions and actions taken.