ABSTRACT
The curriculum was governed by classical languages, grammar and civilisation and leavened by a little mathematics. Their educational standards in the early nineteenth century were not high and discipline was often lax. Under the influence of reformers such as Thomas Arnold, they revived in the middle years of the century. The emphasis shifted to giving pupils the skills needed to exercise leadership in public life, whether in the United Kingdom or the colonies. Following the recommendations of the Clarendon Royal Commission, the Public Schools Act of 1868 established independent boards of governors for the nine leading establishments, freeing them from Church or government interference but demanding that they institute proper financial controls and robust administration. James Kay-Shuttleworth became increasingly interested in the education of the poor, believing that mass education would help to civilise society. He was appointed Assistant Secretary in effect senior administrator of the Committee of the Privy Council on Education in 1839.
