This paper draws on data from the Muslim Pupils’ Educational Experiences (MPEES) project, funded by the Prince Alwaleed Centre. The project includes quantitative data from the National Equality Panel (NEP, 2010) and qualitative data from case studies of Muslim families in Scotland and England. The quantitative data documents the relationship between education and economic outcomes of individuals and relates it to their social characteristics whilst the qualitative data examines the educational achievements and orientations of Muslim pupils and their parents in depth. The aim is to develop a better understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors contributing to pupils’ diverse educational experiences and outcomes. The case study families have been selected to illustrate this diversity, varying in relation to geographical location, socio-economic status and nationality. Case study data suggest that parents tend to have high aspirations for their children, but vary in relation to the economic, social and cultural capital at their disposal in order to realise their aspirations. As a result some are far more strategic than others in their negotiation of local educational labour markets. National Equality Panel (2010) An anatomy of economic inequality in the UK: report of the National Equality Panel. London: Government Equalities Office.