In this chapter we delineate how competition circulates through education. First, we show how competitive ideologies, values and norms are transmitted from society to educational institutions, in particular ideologies and values such as meritocracy, the belief in a fair free market and neoliberalism, as well as norms such as productivism and employability. Second, we review the competitive structures and climates within educational institutions that shape students’ values, goals and behaviors, in particular structures such as normative assessment, tracking and numerus clausus, as well as climates such as classroom climate, goal structures and error climates. Third, we report research that documents the impact of students’ competitive values, goals and behaviors on educational outcomes, from learning and achievement to social relations. Finally, we conclude by reflecting on how such a socialization of students may impact society in a feedback loop, either in terms of maintenance of the status quo or in terms of social change.