Aspiration, aspiration, aspiration, the government's latest mantra. In 2007, Prime Minister Brown used the word nine times in one speech. His message is that giving children good opportunities will only lead to greater achievement if they have high aspirations for themselves. Through various case studies, we look at the challenges in closing the attainment gap between the rich and poor through various initiatives, and the importance of social and emotional development within the curriculum. Looking to America for inspiration, we visit a KIPP school in New York with staggering successes in raising their pupils' aspirations, and ask whether this 'small school' model can work in the UK.

Video Series: School Matters
Release Date 2008