The Reform Of Public Schools In England In The 1860s

Public schools are an outstanding part of the British education system.Since its birth,public schools have trained many elite talents for the British society.However,by the 1860 s,the poor environment of public schools,outdated curriculum,and chaotic use of funds,coupled with the public's emphasis on education in this period and the stimulus of the establishment of education systems in European countries,all these problems made the development of public schools in Britain need to be reformed to regain its vitality.Facing the predicament of the development of public schools,the first to start reforms were some foresighted public school principals,such as Samuel Butler,Thomas Arnold,and E.Thring.They carried on the reform in the student's management and the education idea,causes this period the public school development condition to improve somewhat.The British government began to pay attention to the crisis of British public schools only after the reform of public school principals.In the 1860 s,the financial situation of Eaton College caused public anger.At this time,the British government appointed Clarendon to establish the Clarendon Committee in order to protect the interests of the class.After discussing the list of public schools under investigation,it was determined to investigate 9 public schools.Based on the investigation results,the British government issued the "Clarendon Report" and promulgated the 1868 "Public School Law" on its basis.The "Clarendon Report" and the "Public School Law" have made relevant regulations in the management of public schools,curriculum and parental intervention.These measures have made public schools officially recognized by the government.In 1869,the government promulgated the "Endowed Schools Act" which restricted the rights of school principals.In the face of the government's public school reform,various schools joined forces to set up a meeting of principals,and used this to increase the right to speak in communication with the government.The overall reform of British public schools is carried out from the bottom up.The measures taken by the government in the reform of public schools during thisperiod have given public schools a higher social status.Since then,the government has set its sights on education and gradually established a national education system.At the same time,the reform also facilitated the cultivation and continuation of the English gentleman's character and promoted the development of the British Empire.Of course,there are also deficiencies in the reform of public schools during this period.On the one hand,the reformed public schools are still serving the upper classes.On the other hand,the reform achievements did not help the second industrial revolution.Therefore,in the reform of public schools,the British government should take the interests of ordinary people as the starting point,adhere to the principle of "inheriting the tradition and keeping pace with The Times",and strengthen the supervision on the promulgation of laws,so as to ensure the effect of the government reform.