Until 1870, children in England did not have to go to school. Children from rich families went to school but poor families could not not afford to pay for education. Poor children had to go to work to help their parents. After 1870
the government made school places available to young children for a very smallpayment. By 1902 education was free and every child aged between five and thirteen had to attend school.

At school, children were taught reading, writing, arithmethic and religion. The children sat at their desks, chanting spellings and tables over and over again and copying words onto slates. At other times they did some geography and history, drawing, singing, and physical exercise. Disciplinewas very strict and children were beaten if they made mistakes in their work.