Victorian Schoolroom

In 1880 school became compulsory. All children had to attend a school until they were 10 years old. In 1889, the school leaving age was raised to twelve, and in 1891, the school's pence fee was abolished and schools became free.

Up until 1891children had to pay to go to school. There was no such thing as a free education. So poorer families couldn’t afford to send their children to school.

Some poor children went to free charity schools, Dame or Ragged schools, they also went to Sunday Schools which were run by churches. There they learnt bible stories and were taught to read a little.

Children from richer families were taught at home by a governess until they were 10 years old. A boy went away to Public schools like Eton or Harrow when he was 10. There were very few schools available for girls, Wealthy girls were mostly educated at home

The Victorians thought that all children should go to school. They thought that it was important for people to be able to read and write. The Church of England opened National Schools they taught children reading, writing, arithmetic and religion. 

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