The legislation allows for the extension of the school day, changes to the curriculum, the introduction of pay by results for teachers and could involve the removal of school staff.

ECONOMIST: Education reform in Massachusetts

The introduction of the National Curriculum in the 1980s meant that all young people studied English, Maths and Science up to the age of 16.

BBC: Career Stereotypes

School inspectors have found that the introduction of the national curriculum, with its detailed lists of what should be learnt, has in the case of science led to more focused lessons.

ECONOMIST: School curriculum