Change and Continuity in Education, Health and Welfare to 1945

Education Changes and Continuity

Emergence of new educational institutions. The 1902 Education Act brought significant restructuring in the education system, introducing secondary schools and transferring the control of education to local authorities.
Introduction of compulsory education. The 1918 Education Act, also known as Fisher’s Act, made schooling compulsory up to the age of 14 and the 1944 Education Act raised the school leaving age to 15.
Class disparities in education persisted. Despite the introduction of free and compulsory education, the quality of education received still greatly depended on the social background of the pupils.
Persistent gender bias. Though more girls were being educated and the 1918 Education Act abolished gender distinction in schools, there was still a bias towards boys in terms of subject choices and societal expectations.

Health Changes and Continuity

Development of public health policies. The 1891 Public Health Act brought about major public health improvements including better sanitation and water facilities.
The fight against widespread diseases. The Vaccination Act of 1898 made vaccination for smallpox obligatory, contributing to a decline in the disease.
Birth of the National Health Service (NHS). The idea of a health service for all, regardless of income, was first proposed in the 1942 Beveridge Report but wasn’t realised until 1948.
Persistent health inequalities. Despite public health improvements, a significant disparity in health quality existed between the rich and the poor.

Welfare Changes and Continuity

Introduction of old-age pensions. The 1908 Old Age Pensions Act is considered the birth of state pensions in the UK.
Recognising the need of unemployment benefits. The 1911 National Insurance Act introduced sickness and unemployment benefits.
Formation of the welfare state. The 1942 Beveridge Report was critical in shaping the formation of the welfare state in the UK, proposing social security measures to fight the ‘five giants’.
Insufficient coverage for certain groups. Early social security measures often didn’t fully cater to the needs of certain marginalised groups, such as women and disabled individuals.