The absence of substantial educational provision for the majority towards the and of the 19th century attracted the attention of education policy-makers who wished to remedy the situation. This led to the establishment of a unified central government, the Board of Education, and was followed by a system of local education authorities, heralding a dual partnership between local and central government. Many other substantial reforms were introduced which affected the activities of schools, teachers, and most importantly, the welfare of the nations's children. This overview draws on unpublished...