Selective Schooling Has Not Promoted Social Mobility in England

In this paper we use linked census data to assess whether an academically selective schooling system promotes social mobility, using England as a case study. Over period of two decades, the share pupils in schools declined sharply and differentially by area. Using sample records matched administrative on within local areas, exploit temporal geographic variation estimate effects absolute relative class mobility. Our results provide no support for contention that increased mobility England, considered or terms. The findings are precisely estimated robust comprehensive battery robustness checks.