Revolutionising the education system

The Education Act 1944 Also known as the 'Butler Act', as a measure of the respect of Rab's, (Richard Austen Butler), contribution in the creation of the 1st nationwide system of state-funded secondary education in England and Wales. Acclaimed by many as the greatest measure of educational advancement since 1870 and a triumph for progressive reform. All the more remarkable for having been conceived in the depths of WW2.

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"I stayed awake until midnight in order that I

might know the moment at which the elementary

education system expired."

James Chuter Ede, Baron Chuter-Ede, CH, PC, DL, JP

Teacher, Trade Unionist and Labour Politician

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The Act made secondary education free for children of all backgrounds. Prior to this, education after the age of 14 had only been available through public school fee-paying. It also established 3 basic secondary school types, known as the 'Tripartite System':

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Grammar Schools - for the academically inclined.

Technical schools - for the technically inclined.

Secondary modern schools - for the practically inclined.

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Places were determined on performance in the 11-plus exam, a general IQ test, taken by children in the last year of primary education. Those who passed gained a place at grammar school, whereas those who were unsuccessful went on to technical or secondary modern schools. In reality, the 11-plus became a fierce competition for grammar school places, as this was the only route to a university education for the working-class.

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Maintained grammar school pupils had the best opportunities of any child in the state secondary system. Through all its ups and downs, they enshrined values of competition, academic excellence, sporting achievement and a sense of public duty. But most of all, they inspired pupils to succeed in life.

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Many WW2 village schools still had earth and

bucket toilets, no running water or electricity!

Rab Butler

Source: Wickipedia/spartacus-educational.com

Images: Believed to be in the Public Domain or used with permission