List of members of the London School Board facts for kids
The London School Board was an important group of people who looked after public education in London, England. It was created in 1870 to make sure all children in London could go to school. Before this, many children, especially those from poorer families, didn't have access to proper schooling. The Board worked for 34 years, from 1870 until 1904, when the London County Council took over its job.
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What Was the London School Board?
The London School Board was set up because of a law called the Elementary Education Act 1870. This law made it possible to create school boards across England and Wales. Their main goal was to build and manage schools, hire teachers, and make sure children attended classes. This was a big step towards making education available to everyone, not just those who could afford private schools.
How Did People Join the Board?
Members of the London School Board were chosen by people voting in different parts of London. The city was divided into special areas, and each area elected a certain number of members.
Early Divisions (1870-1885)
When the Board first started in 1870, London was split into ten main areas or "divisions." These divisions were:
- City
- Chelsea
- Finsbury
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Lambeth
- Marylebone
- Southwark
- Tower Hamlets
- Westminster
Each division had a different number of members, from four to seven, depending on its size and population. For example, Marylebone had seven members, while the City of London had four.
Later Changes (1885-1904)
Over time, London grew, and so did the need for more school board members. In 1885, the Lambeth division was split into two new areas:
- Lambeth, East (with 4 seats)
- Lambeth, West (with 6 seats)
This change meant that the total number of elected members on the Board increased to fifty-five.
Sometimes, a member might leave the Board because they resigned or passed away. In the early years (1870-1876), a special election was held to replace them. But after 1876, the rules changed. If a spot became empty, the remaining Board members could choose someone new to join. This was called "co-option."
Who Were Some Key Members?
Many different people served on the London School Board, working hard to improve education. Some were well-known figures of their time:
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was a very important member. She was the first woman in Britain to qualify as a doctor and was also one of the first women elected to the London School Board in 1870. She worked to make sure girls had good educational opportunities.
- Emily Davies was another pioneering woman elected in 1870. She was a strong supporter of women's rights and higher education for women, helping to found Girton College, Cambridge, one of the first colleges for women at Cambridge University.
- Professor Thomas Henry Huxley was a famous scientist who also served on the Board. He was known for supporting Charles Darwin's ideas about evolution and believed in the importance of science education.
- Rosamond Davenport Hill and Alice Westlake were other notable women who served for many years, helping to shape education policies.
- Rev. Joseph Diggle was a very influential member and served as the Chairman of the Board for a long time.
These individuals, and many others, worked together to create a system of public education that laid the foundation for schools in London today.
The Board's Legacy
The London School Board played a huge role in setting up a system of free, compulsory education for children in London. It built many new schools, hired thousands of teachers, and helped millions of children get an education they might not have received otherwise.
In 1904, the Board was replaced by the London County Council. This change meant that local government bodies would now be in charge of education, combining it with other services like health and housing. However, the work of the London School Board left a lasting impact on education in the city.
Images for kids
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Rev. Canon Dr. John Cale Miller, a member for Greenwich.
