Genealogy Chat

Ragged Schools, providing free schooling for destitute and poor children, were just about still in operation in the 1880s. They were gradually being absorbed into the new fee-paying schools, but in some areas of the country, such as London, it was still possible to get free elementary education.

Thanks everyone for your replies, very informative as usual. Sue

The Education Act of 1870 introduced elementary education for all children, but I believe that parents still had to pay for this at the rate of 1d a week per child. it meant that children were entitled to the education but not for free! or so I believe. Wendy

and from www.victorianweb.org/history/rosen.html ' it should be noted that it was not until 1899 and the establishment of the National Board of Education that free public education was available to all children in England. And it was not until 1902, after Victoria's death, that public secondary education was available.'

Of course! From http://www.logicmgmt*com/1876/educate.htm 'Here in England, an elementary education isn't free. Schools were and continue to be financed by private individuals, churches, charitable organizations and businesses.*** One can expect to pay between one and nine pence per child per week. *** As a result of the Education Act things are beginning to change, and some schools are now able to obtain assistance through government grants.'

I know that not all schools were free, and that - even in the twenties or so - and even with a ''scholarship'' you probably still had to pay for a uniform or for books - beyond some people's means. Christine

Thanks for that Kath will give it a go. Sue

I think they probably did. I googled and found this site which might help:- http://www.thepotteries.org/dates/education.htm Kath. x

Did parents have to pay for schooling in the1880's. Sue