History of education in Wales (1870–1939)

Education was expanded greatly in Wales, a country that was part of the United Kingdom, between the Elementary Education Act 1870 and the outbreak of the Second World War. Compulsory basic education was established early in the period and access to secondary and university education was significantly expanded.

The Elementary Education Act 1870 was intended to provide sufficient elementary school places for all children. Schooling was made compulsory up to the age of ten in 1880 and free at elementary level in 1891. The minimum school leaving-age was increased to 12 in the 1890s and 14 by the Education Act 1918. The elementary curriculum emphasised literacy and numeracy in order to prepare children for standardised tests early in the period and, later, entrance exams to secondary schools. Subjects such as geography, sewing and music were also taught. Schools emphasised the English language which was seen as the language of opportunity. The use and teaching of the Welsh language in schools was increasingly encouraged. Schools taught British, and increasingly Welsh, patriotism.

Access to secondary education was expanded following the Welsh Intermediate Education Act 1889 and Education Act 1902. By the end of the period, a third of adolescents were entering secondary school. Secondary schools taught an academic curriculum which reflected parents' aspirations for their children. The University College of Wales was founded in 1872 and was followed by several other university colleges. The University of Wales was established in 1893. Poverty limited the extent to which many young people could benefit from secondary or university education.