150th Anniversary of state education in England

The Foundation for Education Development ran a major national year of celebration events to mark the 150th Anniversary of state education in England.

This page provides a snapshot of our work over that important year in the English education system.

2020 marked 150 years since the 1870 Education Act. This Act may reasonably be seen as the first major step in introducing free state education. While the 1870 Act focused on primary education, it raised questions that remain to this day about the purposes of education and the role of the state.

The Foundation for Education Development (FED) was established in 2019 to provide a neutral space to discuss the benefits of a long-term vision and plan for our education system.

At the FED we value the contribution of all those working in education, and their role in building a world class education system across the country.

We welcome the opportunity of the 150th anniversary of state education to:

  • Celebrate the achievements of schools today
  • Reflect on the history of state education
  • Envision a long-term vision and plan for our education system

 

The FED supported activities across the country in the academic year 2020-2021 to mark this anniversary as well as engaging our communities in creating the vision and plan for education in the future – ‘Looking Back – Moving Forward’

Key dates for Sept 2020 to Nov 2021

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The Launch of FED150 – ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’

In September 2020, the FED launched the year of celebration with an online broadcast in collaboration with Browne Jacobson and NCFE. The then Secretary of State for Education Rt Hon Gavin Williamson opened the launch and was joined by Baroness Nicky Morgan, the chief executive of the Chartered College of Teaching Dame Alison Peacock, the President of the CBI Lord Karan Bilimoria and voices from education and the community.

Each speaker provided an insight into why they feel Education is so important to them, and the changes that they think need to be made as we work together to build a long-term plan for Education.

Look back at the event September 2020
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Lessons Learned’ – The reflection of 12 former Secretaries of State

FED hosted a unique gathering of 12 former Secretaries of State for Education to mark the 150th Anniversary of state education. The conversations with small groups of former secretaries of state focused on:

The event provided the opportunity for reflection and for the celebration of a significant anniversary.

Look back at the event September 2020
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Looking Back, Moving Forward – 10 Characters Who Shaped the Education System

As part of the 150th Anniversary of State Education, celebrations FED launched a new report by Sir Michael Barber who has researched the history of state education. He delivered a presentation on ‘Ten characters who have created an education system’. He reflected on the, the key moments of the past, and how we can use the learning to build an education system for the future. A written version of the ’10 Characters’ research is available.

Hear Sir Michael Barber in discussion with Carl Ward CEO of the FED.

Download the accompanying pamphlet.

Look back at the eventNovember 2020
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FED Launches National Poetry Competition for young people to celebrate 150 Years of State Education

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Over Summer 2021  as part of the important 150th Anniversary of State Education in England FED continued to celebrate the contribution of education to our society. We sought the creative voices of young people to provide contributions to our consultation by taking part in our national poetry competition. We asked for contributions to

• Celebrate – what school means to you
Reflect –How you think school should be
Envision –What you think about the future of education

The judges were established poets and as well as an opportunity to win prizes – for both the poets and their schools or colleges – the winners had the opportunity to read their winning poems at our FED 150 Celebration event in November.

Read the winners entrySummer 2021
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‘Looking Back - Moving Forward’ –a FED event celebrating the 150th Anniversary year of State Education in England held at The Guildhall in the City of London

How Seventeen Secretaries Of State For Education Through Thirty Years Of Constant Chang2

Over 150 people joined Carl Ward, Chair of the FED and other key speakers at a major celebration event at The Guildhall in The City of London.

We welcomed Robin Walker MP the Minister of State for School Standards who joined our other contributors in confirming the view that “great teachers can transform young people’s lives.” He went on to say “150 years ago the Elementary Education Act began a process of evolution, and a process that continues to this day. I’d like to congratulate the Foundation for Education Development for all its work to make the vision of a world class education for all our children a reality”

The winners of the FED ‘150 Years – 150 Words’ Poetry competition presented their poems, and our young FED ambassadors inspired those listening with storis of their journeys through education, how their lives had changed and what they were doing to encourage and enthuse others to engage with developing and enhancing the education of the future.

Look back at the event November 2021
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‘1988-2021: How Seventeen Secretaries of State for Education, through Thirty Years of Constant Change, Enabled the System to Improve’

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FED launched the new publication by Sir Michael Barber. 1988-2021: How Seventeen Secretaries of State for Education, through Thirty Years of Constant Change, Enabled the System to Improve’ This is the second in a series published by FED in partnership with Sir Michael. His earlier work ‘10 Characters who shaped a school system’ was published 14 months ago as part of the 150 Launch event in September 2020.

As we look towards a long-term future for education, Michael’s recent work explores the profiles, the actions, the challenges and the learning from the last seventeen secretaries of state for education.

View Sir Michael Barber in conversation with Dr Michelle Clement at the event

Download the ReportNovember 2021

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Monday 4th January

We could break the timeline up with images, block of colour to pull out some key dates that are really big events etc.

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FED will be hosting a unique gathering of former Secretaries of State for Education. To mark the 150th Anniversary of state education. This event will provide the opportunity for reflection and celebration of a significant anniversary.

Nov 09, 2017
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FED will be hosting a unique gathering of former Secretaries of State for Education. To mark the 150th Anniversary of state education. This event will provide the opportunity for reflection and celebration of a significant anniversary.

Register For EventNov 09, 2017
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FED will be hosting a unique gathering of former Secretaries of State for Education. To mark the 150th Anniversary of state education. This event will provide the opportunity for reflection and celebration of a significant anniversary.

Register For EventNov 09, 2017
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