What impact did Anthony Crosland have as Minister for Education? In this lesson, we will: Describe the arguments for and against comprehensive education. Assess to what extent Crosland transformed education and further education in England and Wales. Starter: Read this extract from poet Michael Rosen. He is remembering his experiences at primary school in the 1950s. What can we learn from this about education in the 1950s?

The move towards comprehensive education After 1960, the debate in education centred around comprehensive schools. Education in Britain after 1944, was based on a Tripartite System. There were three types of schools – grammar, secondary modern and technical. Most of the funding went to grammar schools, with secondary modern being seen as a second grade alternative (Caldew School in 1959) Some comprehensive schools had been built under the previous Conservative governments. By 1964, only 10% of pupils in England and Wales attended a comprehensive schools.

The move towards comprehensive education In 1963, the Robbins Report was published which argued that comprehensive education should be extended into higher education. It stated that more universities should be established. Emphasis to scientific education should be given. Twelve ‘colleges of advanced technology’ be given university status. Students from working class backgrounds should be given more opportunities to attend university.

How did Labour approach education? Wilson’s Labour government saw education as the key to social mobility. To create a more liberal and equal society, students had to have the same opportunities regardless of income. Wilson appointed Anthony Crosland, a revisionist, as Secretary of State for Education in 1965. Under Crosland, the move towards comprehensive education increased. He is reported to have told his wife “If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to destroy every fucking grammar school in England, and Wales and Northern Ireland.

Learning Task One Using the information on p.37, explain the arguments for and against comprehensive education. Stretch challenge: Read p.38-39. Why do you think Anthony Crosland was so eager to destroy grammar schools?

What did the Plowden Report state? Commissioned under the previous Conservative government. Published in 1967, it argued that education should change to a ‘child-centered approach’ It suggested nursery education should be available to children at 3 years old. Schools should not just rely on ‘intelligence’ tests. Physical punishments should be abolished. Class sizes should be reduced. The leaving age should be increased to 16.

How did Crosland increase the move to comprehensive education? In 1965, the Crosland issued ‘Circular 10/65’ to all local authorities in England and Wales. It requested that all LEAs begin converting their secondary schools to the comprehensive system. Upon release in July 1965, the Circular used the word "request", but in practice, the DES used its financial muscle to weaken opposition to the change. The Department for Science and Education stated that funding for schools or school refurbishment would only go to councils that adopted comprehensive reform. This forced many to begin to convert.

Learning Task Two Evidence of meeting this Evidence of not meeting this Robbins Report (1963) Plowden Report (1967) Read the extract from historian Andrew Marr. With two colours, highlight: Achievements in state education Achievements in further education 3. Using this: to what extent did Anthony Crosland achieve the suggestions from the Robbins Report Plowden Report?