The main aim of this field study is to review, analyse and interpret the research literature on open education. The study also attempts to define and illustrate the concept open education. In addition the study has aimed to produce a set of resource materials which illustrate open education, namely, what it is and how it is manifested in schools. From the analysis and discussion of the relevant research literature, it would appear that it is not only plausible but possible to define the concept of open education. The defining characteristics of open education are identified through: ( i) the degree of openness of a school program; (ii) the focus on spatiality and openness in architecture; (iii) the philosophical goals, assumptions and beliefs intrinsic in the concept of open education; (iv) the observable characteristics and criteria manifested by open education. Open education can therefore be defined by assessing the extent to which a specified set of criteria are present or absent. An aspect of the curriculum may then be ranked with respect to those defining characteristics of open education. Even though the content may vary, the specified set of criteria remain intrinsic and inherent in the concept.