The 1944 Education Act was a landmark act and provided free public education for all at three stages – primary, secondary, and further. Every child in the country would be educated according to age, ability and aptitude.

The school leaving age was raised to 15 and new schools were built, conditions were improved and more teachers were engaged.

The Act also led to the building of new ‘red brick’ universities and technical colleges. Many working class families sent their children to college for the first time.