The development of education in the North Ridings of Yorkshire 1902 - 1939

Abstract

The aim of this work is to describe the growth of the educational system in a local authority area. The education acts, regulations of the Board and the educational theories of the period are detailed together with their effect on the national system. Local conditions of geography and industry are also described in so far as they affected education in the North Riding of Yorkshire and resulted in the creation of an educational system characteristic of the area. Each branch of the public system of education, elementary, secondary and further, is examined separately. Conditions in 1902 are described, development during the period detailed and the situation at the end of the period is reviewed. The development schemes made by the Education Committee in 1906, 1918 and 1936 are examined to show the educational theories of the times and the Committee’s interpretation of national plans. An attempt has been made to account for the time lag between the passage of a Parliamentary Bill and its implementation in the remote corners of a local authority area. Whenever possible the financial aspect of education has been presented from the point of view of the administrator and its effect on education considered from the teacher's. The difficulties encountered in the North Riding and the solutions adopted are considered. In assessing the progress an attempt has been made to apportion the credit between the Board with its grants and the Education Committee's solution of local difficulties. The facilities provided in 1939 are compared with those of the country as a whole.