ABSTRACT
With the exception of very limited activities like regimental, workhouse and prison schools, the state in England was not involved in actually providing education until after the 1870 Education Act and then only on a residual basis, filling in where the churches and private bodies had left gaps. As late as 1861 the Newcastle Commission argued that there was no case for state provision or compulsion to attend school. The Commission's report argued that with more generous financial help the voluntary sector could meet the rising demand for education. The school boards funded the building of new schools out of the rates, but they charged fees, up to 9d a week, just like the church schools. Poor children could have their fees paid for them out of the education rate whether they attended church or board schools.
