Education

The introduction of an elementary education

Up until the 19th century education was administered by the British churches. But the function of education enlarged. Following the Renaissance and the Reformation it was not confined to instructing only clerics anymore. The ‘Education Act’ of 1870 was only one step towards an elementary education, something the British people had demanded since the late 18th Century. After the formation of a ‘Committee of the Privy Council on education’ in 1839 this act ensured public education. Ten years later regular attendance was made obligatory. From now on children up until the age of ten were allowed to go to school. The discharge age was raised to the age of 14 almost 50 years later.

Higher education of women

Before the Reformation girls were educated exclusively by the church. Public schooling for girls did not exist until 1840/ 1850. At first the content of the education was very limited to basic skills.