Catholic schools and the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918

Abstract

The Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, has been widely interpreted as reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of Scotland, integrating Catholic children into the national system. Although not entirely wrong, this view is inaccurate. As the founding moment of Scotland's twentieth-century education, its over-riding purpose was secular: it was not really about Catholics or any other specific group in society, but about fostering individual liberal opportunity through expanding secondary education. The Act was also the first clear articulation in policy of the idea that educational opportunity ought not to be constrained by pupils’ economic circumstances. The Act established a principle which, by the late-1930s, had become secondary education for all. After the 1960s, it became comprehensive education for all, and from the 1980s it was deepened into a common course for all.