The Butler Education Act of 1944
Study note
R A Butler was the politician responsible for education during the wartime government. He oversaw the Education Act of 1944, which is so closely tied to him that it is often called the Butler Act. So remember 1944 and the name Butler together.
The 1944 Act was a major reform. It introduced free secondary education in England and Wales, so that children could continue at school without their families having to pay. It also created a clear division between primary schools and secondary schools, much of which still shapes the school system today. Do not confuse the dates: the Education Act was 1944, while the National Health Service came a little later, in 1948.
Memory tip: 1944 Butler Education Act: free secondary education; primary and secondary schools separated.
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Question 1 of 3
What did the Education Act of 1944 introduce?
Show all questions and answers for The Butler Education Act of 1944(3 questions with explanations)
The Butler Education Act of 1944: questions, answers and explanations
1. What did the Education Act of 1944 introduce?
- The NHS
- University tuition fees
- Free secondary education in England and Wales
- Old-age pensions
Correct answer: Free secondary education in England and Wales
The 1944 Education Act introduced free secondary education in England and Wales.
2. The 1944 Education Act is often named after which politician?
- Aneurin Bevan
- William Beveridge
- Clement Attlee
- R A Butler
Correct answer: R A Butler
It is often called the Butler Act, after R A Butler.
3. The Education Act came in 1944; in which year was the NHS founded?
- 1945
- 1942
- 1944
- 1948
Correct answer: 1948
The Education Act was 1944; the NHS was founded in 1948.
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