Social Policy and Education How has education changed?

Why was schooling made compulsory? Before 1870, education in Britain was only available to the prosperous – who paid to attend public and grammar schools. A minority of poor children were educated in charity or church schools The 1870 Education Act encouraged the building of elementary schools, charging no more than 9 pence a week. By 1980, education became compulsory up to the age of 10. The aim was to create a literate and numerate workforce to put British industry on a par with foreign competitors. Learning was basic and in large groups

Education for all? The number of Grammar schools increased under the 1902 Act. These, like the public schools, offered a wider curriculum and prepared people for professions. Whether children attended these or the elementary schools was determined by income, not ability. Although the leaving age was extended to 14 by 1918, most students spent the whole of their education in elementary schools. These became free of charge in 1891

The Tripartite System After the 2 nd world war, there was a desire to create a fairer society, so free, state-run secondary education became available for all. The old elementary schools became primary schools and most children changed schools at 11. It was thought that different types of children would benefit from secondary education in 3 kinds of school, known as the TRIPARTITE system. Grammar schools offered academic subjects and examinations to those able to pass intelligence tests (the 11 plus) – only about 20% passed. Technical and commercial schools were available for those with a practical aptitude. Very few were built, taking only 5% of pupils. Secondary Modern schools offered a less academic curriculum, with few examinations, until project-based CSEs began in the 1960s

Was this selective education system fair? By the 1960s, opposition had built up to the Tripartite system. Turn to page 236 in your text book and add “problems of the Tripartite system” to your notes. Some students did benefit from this system, however – who were they? Identify these in your notes