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Period: to
1800's Victorian Schools
Many children never went to school. Children from richer families (middle class) were taught at home by a governess and when old enough; boys were sent to a public school e.g. Eaton and girls would be taught to sew and sing at home. Children from poorer families (working class) would be able to go to day schools or schools run by churches and charities such as 'ragged' schools for orphans and very poor children. -
1870 Education Amendment Act
This act allowed local authorities to set up schools which are funded by taxes. These schools were run by Boards and cost about 2 pence per student each week. Each class often held up to 60 students. Seperate classrooms were allocated for each age group. -
Free Education
In 1891 the Government made education free for all children until they were 11 years old. -
School Leaving Age
In 1899 the age a child was allowd to leave school was raised to 12 years old. -
Provision of School Meals Act
This Act in 1906 permitted the introduction of free school meals for the poorest pupils, however local authorities did not always follow this rule. -
1918 Education Act
The 1918 Education Act made it compulsory for all children to attend school until they were 14 years old. Medical inspections, nursery schools and centres for pupils with special needs were also introduced with this act. -
The Link
A report published in the 1930's suggested the link between low income, malnutrition and educational underachievement -
1944 Education Act
The 1944 Education Act meant that students could not leave school until the ages of 15. -
Comprehensive Schooling
Labour Govenment issued a document which recommended comprhensive schooling. It was called Circular 10/65 and was a system intended to suit students of all abilities. -
1973 Education Act
The age students were allowed to leave school was raised to 16 years. -
Equal Education in State Funded Schools
An Education Act was passed in 1988 which made education the same for state funded schools. This made sure that all pupils had a basic level of eduaction, Maths, English, Science and parts of religious studies were made compulsory subjects. Different key stages were created to divide pupils of different ages and GCSEs were introduced in replacement of O levels. -
National Literacy Stratengy
The National Literacy Stragegy was put in place by the Labour Governement. They set a target of 80% of 11 year olds would reach a suitable standard in English by 2002. -
Introduction of Academies
Labour Government showed plans to introduce City Academies in 2002 as part of a plan to improve education over 5 years, It would do this by buiding new schools and technology. A school is only give Academy status if it has raised £2 million through private funds which makes the scheme controversial.