| 1870 |
The Elementary Education Act set out the framework to offer schooling for all children between the ages of 5 and13. A similar Act in Scotland in 1872 enforces compulsory attendance. |
| 1876 |
Lord Sandon’s Education Act makes parents responsible for ensuring that their children attend elementary school. |
| 1878 |
The Factory and Workshop Act forbids children under the age of 10 from factory work. Workers aged 10-13 must attend school halftime. |
| 1880 |
The Elementary Education Act (Mundella Act) makes schooling compulsory for those aged 5-10 in England and Wales. School Attendance Officers are empowered to take action if children do not attend. |
| 1891 |
Another Elementary Education Act abolishes fees for elementary schools and makes them free for the first time. |
| 1893 |
The Elementary Education (School Attendance) Act increases the school leaving age to 11. Six years later another Act increases it again to 12. |
| 1911 |
Children walk out of a school in Llanelli in protest over corporal punishment. This leads to pupils briefly going on strike across the UK including Shoreditch. |
| 1918 |
An Education Act drawn up by the President of the Board of Education, Herbert FISHER, makes the school leaving age 14. |
| 1944 |
Richard BUTLER’s Education Act creates a Ministry of Education. The leaving age becomes 15, and the system of elementary, secondary, and further education is formalised. A similar Act for Scotland follows in 1945. |
