Education in the early twentieth century focused primarily on?

In England, the 1870 Education (Amendment) Act enabled local authorities to set up schools funded by the local rates taxation system. Schools were run by Boards but were not free: parents were required to pay about 2d (2 pence) a week for each child attending. Although in London the School Board introduced separate classrooms for each age group and a central hall for whole-school activities, teaching in the early Board schools was often poor. Classes were large, often comprising over 60 pupils.

In London up to a quarter of children failed to attend school. This was because their parents could not afford the fees, because the children were too weak or ill, or because they worked full-time to help support their families. In 1891, the government introduced free education for all children up to the age of 11. In 1899, the school-leaving age was raised to 12 years.

Education was intended to instil obedience, discipline and 'habits of cleanliness' into the lives of the poor. Regular attendance was rewarded with medals, certificates and prizes. But despite the efforts of the London School Board, full attendance was still not achieved, and at the beginning of the 20th century many London children continued to work full-time in a range of occupations including domestic service and street selling.