Introduction
Creating the fertile ground for the 'mushrooming' of low-fee private schools in developing countries
What low-fee private schools in poorer countries look like
How the poor are failed by governments
What is to blame for poor learning outcomes? : the role of family background and environment
The poor and rural are being bypassed by a market that they cannot afford to enter
'Cutting their bellies' : the quality of teaching at low-fee private schools fails to justify parental sacrifice
The role of profit, corporations and chains in the provision of education
Competition, high stakes and corruption in the private sector
The role of regulation
Mirroring the privatization push in rich countries
Alternative pathways : investing in teachers and public systems
Conclusions.