Wales

In May 1999 the responsibility for education in Wales transferred to the new National Assembly.

As a result, policy in Wales is being increasingly tailored to meet the specific needs of Wales.

The education system in Wales under Welsh Office Minister Peter Hain had already become more and more distinct from that in England under David Blunkett's Department for Education and Employment.

Mr Hain's post ceased to exist in July 1999 with the formal transfer of power to the Assembly.

There are two education secretaries - one for pre-16 education and one for post-16, including lifelong learning.