ABSTRACT
THE problem of examinations was already causing anxiety to all those connected with the secondary schools in the early years of the century. At this period and until the introduction of the School Certificate Examinations in 1917, the chief cause of complaint was the cramping effect of the multiplicity of external examinations. Various independent bodies, notably the Universities, the Civil Service, and the professional associations conducted their own entrance examinations, competitive and otherwise. In addition there were examinations designed more particularly, as was the School Certificate later, to test the work of the schools. The Universities were again foremost in this field, with their system of 'local' examinations at preliminary, junior, and senior levels. Other organizations, as for example the Royal Society of Arts, conducted examinations in particular subjects.
