The Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) was a local government organization in London, England, responsible for overseeing the education system in the inner London area from 1965 to 1990.
ILEA was established as a result of the London Government Act of 1963, which reformed the local government structure in London, creating a two-tier system of boroughs and an overall authority for certain services. The Inner London Education Authority was specifically responsible for the provision of education in the inner London boroughs, including pre-school, primary, secondary, and adult education.
As an educational authority, ILEA had various functions and responsibilities. It had the power to establish, maintain, and manage schools, allocate resources, provide teacher training and professional development, set and monitor curriculum standards, and promote educational initiatives across its jurisdiction.
The Inner London Education Authority played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape in inner London during its existence. It aimed to provide a high-quality education for all students, regardless of their background, and to support schools in meeting the diverse needs of the local community. It also sought to foster equality and social justice in education, addressing issues of inequality and disadvantage.
ILEA was abolished in 1990 following political changes and the implementation of the Education Reform Act. Its functions and responsibilities were transferred to the London boroughs, which assumed direct control over education provision within their respective areas.