In the UK, a planned network of some 20
schools, financed jointly by government and
industry, designed to teach technological
subjects in inner-city areas to students aged
11-18. By 1990 few schools had been built.
The scheme has caused controversy, (a)
because of government plans to operate the
schools independently of local education
authorities; (b) because of selection
procedures; and (c) because of its vocational
training at a time when there is also a drive
towards a broader curriculum. The first
college opened in Sept 1987 at Solihull, West
Midlands.