The Links Between Social Class and Academic AchievementThere are many theories about social class and academic achievement and this essay will focus on conflict theory and functionalist theory. examine the links between class and achievement. It will describe and critically analyze various sociological theories of education related to classroom, and apply these theories to educational experiences, structures, and practices. The different perspectives will be used to analyze inequalities in relation to different social classes in the United Kingdom. This essay will also provide evidence of inequalities in British education and identify and evaluate key policy developments in education provision in relation to social class. Functionalist theory focuses on how the education system as a whole meets the needs of society. It emphasizes the interdependence of the social system and emphasizes the processes and behaviors that maintain it. Durkheim (quoted in Haralambos et al: 2000: 777) “considered the major function of education to be the transmission of the norms and values ​​of society”. Functionalist theory believes that schools should serve intellectual, political and social purposes (Sadovnik et al: 2001). Functionalists believe that schools “promote the value of equality of opportunity” by placing students in the same situation in the classroom (Haralambos et al: 779). ). They argue that education sorts students according to their abilities, as Parsons argues: …[students'] conduct is judged by the rules of the school; their success is measured by their exam scores…the same standards are applied to all students, regardless of assigned characteristics such as gender, race, family…middle of article…will have positive results in the long run term” (Haralambos et al. 2004: p621). Of course, Start was criticized because its impact on children and their parents was unsatisfactory. “However, it is too early to assess its impact on the formal education of children” (ibid). These policies were created because there is a CONNECTION between class and achievement. For example, working class students do less well in school. SummaryThis essay discussed and critically analyzed the different social theories of education relating to the classroom, it applied these theories to educational experiences, structures and practices. He addressed different social theories of inequality in relation to social classes. This essay also provided evidence of inequalities in British education and ultimately identified and assessed key policy developments in education provision in relation to social class..