Posted by Roger Wardale on February 27, 2011 at 06:50:53 user RogerW.
In Reply to: Re: English versus American usage posted by Dave Thewlis on February 27, 2011 at 06:11:49:
If i can add my two cents worth.
In England the 1926 Hadow Report had far-reaching educational implications. In those days when the leaving age was 14 years, most went to elementary schools. State-funded post 11 years schooling was selective. In general, girls' grammar schools were called 'High Schools' and boys grammar schools were called 'Secondary 'Schools' — though this was not universal and many were called Grammar Schools. Under theAct that followed the Report most elementary schools became primary (up to 11 years) schools and state-funded grammar schools provided a number of 'free places'..
The 1944 Butler Act saw the introduction of the tripartite system of education for which nobody paid — Secondary Grammar schools called High Schools or Grammar Schools) were selective and kids were expected to remain at school until 16 plus. Secondary Technical schools (of which relatively few were built) were also to a degree selective, and non-selective Secondary Modern Schools at which 60 - 80 % of children attended, leaving at 15.
The word 'modern' means omitting classical studies — a 'modern' rather than classical education. In general grammar schools set up after the Hadow Report provided both a classical and a modern education.
I have just completed a history of my old school founded in 1928 and called a High School for Boys. All very complicated!