Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The object of the research programme was to find ways of improving the quality of the education provided for children in poor areas and of enabling them to take full advantage of the opportunities they are offered. Local projects were started in five areas and project directors have developed a range of activities designed to support teachers, bring parents more closely in touch with the schools and help children to get the most out of their education. All areas have tried to develop community schools. Attempts have been made to evaluate the action taken.

One-stage stratified or systematic random sample

list sampling from each school's register to give a stratified random sample with variable sampling fraction both between project areas and between schools in each area. Sampling fractions calculated to give a sample of 200 in each project area

Face-to-face interview