Education and the Labour Movement, 1870-1920

The second of four studies in the "History of Education in England," this volume traces developments from the securing of universal education with the Act of 1870 to the conclusion of the First World War. These educational developments were marked by the increasing role played by organised Labour in pressing for reform of the system of universal education - opposing class privilege and prejudice, and urging equal opportunities for all. With the formation of the Public Schools, and then with the defeat of the School Boards which were trying to improve the opportunities for working class children, a divided system of education became well established, in which the few were trained for university entrance and then for the top jobs, while the mass were denied any but an "elementary" education. While Labour opposition to this division was unsuccessful, many vital concessions were won in those years, such as the abolition of school fees and the provision of school meals. Very interesting chapters are devoted to the effects of imperialist expansion on educational ideas, and to the developments and conflicts in adult education.