Compulsory Education Act of 1880

Before 1880, few working class children attended school; instead they worked and contributed to the family's income as soon as they were able. The Elementary Education Act of 1880 required all English children aged 5 to 10 to attend school. This school cost the family a few pence in taxes, but the fee was often waived for poor families, however, this also meant that their children could not contribute an income. This act was really a continuation of the Education Act of 1870, which created more schools, since it was found that some areas had no sort of schooling available. Later laws added upon these to make schools free and attendance mandatory.

It could be argued that forcing children to attend school contributed to their family's poverty and lessened the workforce available to the demanding Industrial Revolution. However, these acts were important to the betterment of all English people and represent the first time the ruling classes took an interest in and responsibility for those below them socially. Ultimately, educating the growing workforce allowed them to do more technical jobs and allowed for advancement in technology and better production of goods. Since they could add, subtract, and read, workers were able to take measurements and specifications without direct supervision. So, this actually helped the ruling classes become more wealthy after a fairly negligible investment.

The Education Act of 1880 was the first to recognize that children would not and did not go to schools just because they were available, and parents could not always afford to let their child go to school instead of work. This law made families find alternative means and send their children to school instead. Because they knew more than their parents (they actually did in this case, unlike the stereotypical teenager), these children were paid better wages when they were allowed to leave school at age 10 and could get hired to more technical jobs.

The most important aspect of this act, however, is the fact that it shows an interest in the lower classes. For much of known history upper classes have dissociated themselves from the lower, working classes. These acts represent a change within society; because people were migrating to cities and living closer together, it became obvious that there were some serious differences and that these differences affected the quality of life, especially for the poor who moved into the city seeking jobs. By taking an interest and passing actual laws requiring education, the leaders and politicians of England recognized that an informed public is a healthier and safer public.

Works Cited:
Ellis. "Notes on Education in England." A Family Story. 18 November 2007. accessed:(11/17/2008) http://www.afamilystory.co.uk/history/education.aspx#Compulsory

Ward, A. W. and A. R. Waller. "Education: The Education Act of 1870." The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes. Volume XIV. The Victorian Age, Part Two. accessed: (11/17/2008) http://www.bartleby.com/224/1436.html