The use of geographical information systems in assessing spatial and socio‐economic impacts of parental choice

Previous studies in parental choice have examined the nature of so‐called pull and push factors and the nature of the decision‐making process facing parents when deciding upon a secondary school for their children. A review of the literature has revealed that there are spatial aspects of parental choice which have largely been neglected by educational researchers. This paper highlights a number of education‐based studies which have utilized spatial management techniques (such as geographical information systems) and proposes a research agenda for future work with the specific remit of examining the changing role of parental choice in the United Kingdom educational system.