The 1870s saw the introduction of compulsory education for children. In an Act of 1880 school attendance became compulsory between the ages of five and ten.
By 1899, the school leaving age had risen to twelve. Until 1918, many children worked “Half Time”, that is half a day at school and half a day at work.
There are some memories of school life in the 19th century, and also, the 1950s.
There are images of Blackburn Girls High School, a look at Holy Trinity School and a short piece on the history of Poulton College which has local connections.
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