The case for public expenditure on education is based on its contribution to the good of society over and above the benefits received by the individual educated. These benefits can be economic, the benefits of a larger pool of educated labour that allow for rapid economic development, and social, including the benefits of more committed law abiding citizens and the relief of poverty.

Some of the issues are considered in this paper:

1. The level of public expenditure on education and its distribution in relation to need

2. Where expenditure can yield most benefits

3. The incentives and system level organisation and guidelines to ensure that expenditures are used effectively