Education has been a central priority for Chile since the return of a democratic government in 1990. Thanks to a sustained economic growth and a commitment to increasing public investment in education, Chile has made a number of key improvements to the education system during this period. A recent reform ensures twelve years of free and compulsory schooling for all Chilean children. Enrolment in secondary education has expanded rapidly and teachers’ salaries have increased by 140%. If current trends are anything to go by, more than 800,000 students will be enrolled in higher education by 2010. Chile has achieved a great deal in a short period, becoming the leader in Latin America for improving the quality of, and access to, all levels of education.

Reviews of National Policies for Education: Chile covers the entire system of Chilean education from pre-school through tertiary education and lifelong learning for all, and analyses it in terms of its economic, social and political impact.

The review is based on the OECD’s ongoing co-operation with non-member economies around the world. It is particularly interesting for those involved in educational policy as well as professionals directly working in the education system of Chile.