Education Act

United Kingdom [1918]

Also known as: Fisher Act

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June 26, 2026

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The Education Act of 1918, also known as the Fisher Act, aimed to establish a national system of public education in the United Kingdom. This legislation mandated that children remain in formal education until the age of 14 and removed exemptions that allowed older students to attend school part-time. The act called upon local authorities to develop plans for the progressive development of education within their areas. This was a significant step towards a more comprehensive and accessible educational system, building upon earlier acts like the Elementary Education Act of 1870, which had laid the groundwork for state responsibility in elementary education.123

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education
Early 19th to early 20th century
The Education Act of 1918 (The Fisher Act) aimed at the establishment of a “national system of public education available for all persons capable of profiting thereby.” Local authorities were called upon to prepare plans for the orderly and progressive development of education. The age of…
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The Education Act of 1918 (The Fisher Act) aimed at the establishment of a “national system of public education available for all persons capable of profiting thereby.” Local authorities were called upon to prepare plans for the orderly and progressive development of education. The age of…
Read More