1901 Emergency legislation overturns Cockerton Judgment (which had prevented school boards from spending money from the rates on secondary education). Fabian pamphlet, “The Education Muddle and the Way Out”, written by Sidney Webb.

Board of Education agrees to the introduction of lessons in systematic moral instruction in schools.

1902 Balfour Education Act: creation of local education authorities following abolition of school boards; voluntary (church) schools given rate aid.

1903 Workers Educational Association founded by Albert Mansbridge.

Robert Morant becomes permanent secretary to the Board of Education.

Employment of Children Act allows local authorities to regulate children’s working hours and conditions.

1904 Report of Interdepartmental Committee on Physical Deterioration draws attention to the health and well-being of school-children.

Curricula prescribed for new LEA-controlled secondary schools.

1905 Publication of Board of Education’s “Handbook of Suggestions for Teachers in Elementary Schools” signifies liberalising of the curriculum.

The Hon Maude Lawrence appointed first chief woman inspector of schools.

1906 TUC advocates secondary education for all.

Angela Brazil publishes “Fortunes of Philippa”.

Education (Provision of Meals) Act allows LEAs to spend ratepayers’ money feeding ‘necessitous’ children.

1907 Free Place Regulations stipulate that at least 25 per cent of secondary school places should be reserved for elementary school pupils.

Welsh Department of the Board of Education created.

1908 Margaret McMillan establishes first school clinic at Bow in East London. Children Act permits local authorities to prosecute parents who fail to provide children with adequate food and clothing.

First issue of the “Magnet” comic (published until 1940) 1909 National Union of Women Teachers formed to campaign for equal pay.

Board of Education consultative committee proposes part-time post-school classes.

1910 The Times Educational Supplement first published on September 6. At first, it appears monthly, free with The Times.

Girl Guide movement founded.

1911 Report of Consultative Committee on Examinations in Secondary Schools: recommends that children take public exams at 16.

Circular criticising inadequacies of local inspectors is leaked: Edmond Holmes, Senior Chief Inspector, retires and Sir Robert Morant, Permanent Secretary to the Board of Education, transferred.

1912 One teacher to every 60 children in elementary schools; one to 17 in secondary schools.

Maria Montessori publishes “The Montessori Method”.

1913 Board of Education’s Chief Medical Officer reports that 50 per cent of elementary schoolchildren have severe tooth decay.

National Union of Teachers moves to Hamilton House; campaigns for national salary scale.

Homer Lane founds a “LittleCommonwealth” in Dorset for delinquent boys and girls, stressing self-government and responsibility.

1914 The TES becomes separate paper, priced 1d.

NUT pay strike closes 60 schools in Herefordshire.

World War One begins in August.

McMillan sisters open first nursery school in south London. First grants for day nurseries.

1915 Einstein publishes the General Theory of Relativity; John and Evelyn Dewey, “Schools of Tomorrow”.