Education policies are the set of actions, laws, regulatory measures, and funding priorities on education adopted by a government.

Strictly speaking laws and policies are distinct: laws are a system of rules that regulate behaviour, and are usually enforceable in courts; whilst policies are informal and set out a government’s major objectives, defining the government’s priorities and strategies to achieve its goals.

Education policies and laws are the primary means by which the right to education is implemented at the national and sub-national level.