In Obstetrics for Schools: A guide to eliminating failure and ensuring the safe delivery of all learners, Rachel Macfarlane sets out for school leaders and teachers how they can bridge the advantage gap and deliver positive outcomes for all pupils. In most parts of the world, the death of a baby in childbirth is now a rare tragedy rather than a common occurrence - and it would be considered shocking for medical staff to accept a significant infant fatality rate. It's also inconceivable that a hospital would have a successful delivery target much below 100%. How could anything else be acceptable in this day and age?


Yet there is an expectation, and acceptance, of 'baked in' educational failure for around a third of 16-year-olds in England's schools each year. In Obstetrics for Schools, Rachel Macfarlane draws on her experience as a head teacher and system leader to share practical strategies for overcoming potential barriers to success, presenting case studies and examples of effective practice from schools across the country.


The publisher describes the book as a research-informed picture of the education system, with approaches to school provision that it says have had an impact in a variety of challenging contexts. Each chapter focuses on a key potential barrier to success and offers school leaders and practitioners strategies to help dismantle it. The book also gives guidance on strategic planning and ideas for staff training.


What do we think?

A practical book with strategies for improving teaching and learning, as well as addressing broader systemic issues such as inadequate resources, poverty, and social inequality.

Who it is for

The publisher says it suits school leaders and teachers in all phases, from early years to sixth form, in both mainstream and special education. Because each chapter takes one barrier at a time, a leadership team can use a single chapter to frame a review of disadvantaged pupils' outcomes or a staff training session.

About the book

  • Author: Rachel Macfarlane, an education consultant. Her publisher biography says she was Director of Education Services at Herts for Learning from 2018 to 2023, and before that head teacher of three contrasting schools for over 16 years, including an all-through 4–18 academy in Ilford she set up in 2011.
  • Publisher: Crown House Publishing. Paperback, 272 pages, published April 2021 (ISBN 9781785835407); also available as an ebook.
  • Subtitle: A guide to eliminating failure and ensuring the safe delivery of all learners.

Source: Crown House Publishing, checked 13 October 2026.