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This research was commissioned by Education and Learning Wales (ELWa) and undertaken in 2002 by Newidiem and the European Institute of Education and Social Policy (EIESP). It aimed to identify best practice approaches from around the world that encourage parity of esteem between academic and vocational routes of post-16 learning, and the means of transferring good practice. The intention is to provide illustrations of the various ways of addressing common problems in order to contribute to debate in Wales. The first phase of the research consisted of an ex-ante evaluation of the state of play in Wales concerning parity of esteem. This was followed by a review of policies and practice across Europe and in Australia. The report also summarises the recommendations of the working groups at the seminar organised by ELWa on 27 November 2002, entitled 'World class learning in Wales: case study: parity of esteem - in search of the Holy Grail?'. The report sets out a series of recommendations for Wales to follow up the initial findings in this report and from the seminar. It is recommended that implementation include the following aspects: constitution of (thematic) working groups of key actors on specific issues, bringing in recognised specialists from other countries, for in-depth exchange of information and to delve behind the rhetoric; short, targeted study visits to investigate how policies and strategies work in practice, the achievements and pitfalls; and thematic seminars in Wales to disseminate outcomes and formulate proposals.