'Education should be free', undated [c1943]

Leaflet from the Council for Educational Advance. It argues that "free secondary education must be extended to all areas and to all secondary schools" to "provide equality of opportunity for all children, irrespective of their social or economic condition".

[Included in the archive of the Council for Educational Advance; document reference: MSS.179/CEA/4/3]

Confidential Labour Party report on comprehensive schools, 1951

The sections of the report shown here cover general educational principles and the existing tri-partite system of secondary education. It argues that the tri-partite system "does not provide equality of educational opportunity and is therefore out of tune with the needs of the day and with the aspirations of socialism".

[Included in the archives of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292/815.91/2]

'Education under social handicap', 1964

Section from a report issued by the Department of Education and Science on "the handicap under which some children laboured as the result of an unfavourable social environment". It outlines potential difficulties resulting from the environment both at home and in school.

[Included in the archive of the Council for Educational Advance; document reference: MSS.179/CEA/5/5]

'Education for what?', undated [1970?]

Leaflet issued by Brighton Militant. It protests against the 11-plus system, and welcomes the introduction of comprehensives "as an attempt to break down the class barriers and as a step towards equality of opportunity".

[Included in the archives of the Socialist Party (formerly Militant Tendency); document reference: 601/C/5/13/2]

'Comprehensive education now', undated [mid 1960s]

The images shown here are part of a leaflet issued by the Comprehensive Schools Committee. It puts forward arguments in favour of comprehensive education.

[Included in the archives of the Campaign for the Advancement of State Education; document reference: MSS.236/1982/60]

'The State and its Responsibility to the Boy', 1938

Leaflet issued by the National Association of Schoolmasters. It argues that the state must ensure that boys receive "masculine guidance" after the age of 8.

[Included in the archive of the National Association of Schoolmasters; document reference: MSS.38A/4/5/41]

Examples of activities suggested for boys and girls in secondary education, 1947

Illustrations from a Ministry of Education pamphlet on 'The New Secondary Education'. Lessons shown include metal-craft for boys and needlework for girls at one of the new secondary modern schools.

[Included in the archive of the Transport of General Workers' Union; document reference: MSS.126/TG/RES/X/1011A2/1]

'A problem for parents', undated [late 1940s / early 1950s]

Leaflet issued by the National Association of Schoolmasters. It argues that "the only teacher who can, with full knowledge and experience, guide a boy to fine manhood is a man".

[Included in the archive of the National Association of Schoolmasters; document reference: MSS.38A/4/5/67]

'Science teaching in girls' schools', 1955

Memorandum of interview with the Staff Inspector for Science at the Ministry of Education. He comments on the differences in science teaching at girls' and boys' schools.

[Included in the archive of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292C/815/4]

'The interchangeability of men and women teachers', 1959

Memorandum by the Secretary to the Membership Committee of the National Union of Teachers, issued in response to anti-NUT publicity from the National Association of Schoolmasters.

[Included in the archive of the National Union of Teachers; document reference: MSS.179/EDU/3/11/2422]

Observations on the education of immigrants, 1965

One of a series of responses from members of the National Union of Teachers to a circular issued by the Government Department of Education and Science (DES).

[Included in the archive of the National Union of Teachers; document reference: MSS.179/EDU/3/12/82]

'Violence in the toilets: The experience of a black teacher in Brent schools', [1969]

Extracts from a pamphlet by Marina Maxwell on her experiences as a teacher in London. She comments angrily on the treatment of black and white working class pupils by the majority of teachers.

[Included in the archives of the Socialist Party (formerly Militant Tendency); document reference: 601/R/24/49]

Outline of 'The multi-faith school: A guide for teachers', 1973

Description of 'The multi-faith school', "a collection of information, teaching suggestions and materials for use by teachers in multi-racial primary or middle schools", included in the Community Relations Commission newsletter 'Education and Community Relations'.

[Included in the archives of the Campaign for the Advancement of State Education; document reference: MSS.236/1982/103]

'Fight politics in the classroom... How to spot a red teacher', undated [c1977]

Young National Front leaflet attacking "Commie brainwashing" through the teaching of social sciences and the idea of racial equality in Britain's schools.

[Included in the S.E. Taylor collection of material re the National Front, part of the 'Miscellaneous' series; document reference: MSS.21/1571/9]

'Who should give special educational treatment, and what preparation do they require for their work?', 1946

Section from a Ministry of Education pamphlet on 'Special Educational Treatment'. The 1944 Education Act placed new responsibilities on Local Education Authorities "for the provision of suitable education for children suffering from disability of mind or body", the pamphlet provided guidance for LEAs and teachers "in the discharge of a difficult and important duty, which has the dual claim of succour to the afflicted and practical value to the community".

[Included in the archive of the Transport of General Workers' Union; document reference: MSS.126/TG/RES/X/1011A2/1]

Leaflet explaining the aims and objectives of the National Association of Backward Children, 1954

The Association campaigned for better education, training and understanding, provided a support network for parents, and encouraged research into the issue.

[Included in the archives of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292/825.4/1]

'Grammar school provision for the physically handicapped', 1954

Copy of article from 'The Schoolmaster' by J. Hywel Williams, Headmaster of a Special School near York. It highlights the lack of access to an appropriate education for "the handicapped child of superior intelligence", and suggests how separate grammar school teaching could be provided for the physically disabled.

[Included in the archives of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292/825.4/1]

'Children have Rights: Handicapped Children': discussion paper from the National Council of Civil Liberties, 1971

It criticises "the idea that the needy should be segregated in order to be helped", and suggests that "subnormality hospitals" are "used as society's dustbins".

[Included in the archives of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292D/825.4/1b]

Government "policy on education for handicapped school leavers", 1974

Letter from Reg Prentice, Secretary of State for Education, to the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress. He states that the Department's policy is to improve access to public buildings and allow disabled children to benefit "from an education in an ordinary primary or secondary school".

[Included in the archives of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292D/825.4/1b]

'The Children's Charter and Plimsoll Line: Total abolition of corporal punishment in schools', 1945

Pamphlet by Councillor Jesse Powderhill of Pontypridd, calling for the public to campaign against "Hitlerism in British schools" and ban corporal punishment. It outlines cases of brutality against individual children by teachers and looks forward to the easing of "the British school child's burden" under the new Labour Government.

[Included in the archive of the Transport of General Workers' Union; document reference: MSS.126/TG/RES/X/1011A2/1]

'Horror Comics', 1954

Circular from the National Union of Teachers. This was issued during a period of great public concern over the effects that US-style comics may have on children's behaviour.

[Included in the archive of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292/825.4/2]

The National Union of Teachers on corporal punishment, 1960

Memorandum of evidence submitted by the Executive of the Union to the Home Office Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders. It supports the use of "reasonable and moderate corporal punishment" at the discretion of the teacher.

[Included in the archive of the National Union of Teachers; document reference: MSS.179/EDU/3/12/119]

Publications of the Schools Action Union, c1969

The SAU was a left-wing organisation formed in 1969 to fight for the rights of school students "victimised by authority", and was opposed to corporal punishment, restrictions on clothing and length of hair, streaming of students and exams. The examples shown here include the 'Schools Charter' on the front page of 'Rebel' and reports from London schools in 'Vanguard'.

[Included in the archives of the Socialist Party (formerly Militant Tendency); document reference: 601/K/2 and 601/K/3]

'Unequal opportunities at school', 1964

Speech by J.W.B. Douglas of the London School of Economics to a meeting of the National Union of Teachers. He comments on the 50% increase in the numbers of students with university entrance qualifications between 1954-1961, and the effects of class on educational achievement.

[Included in the archive of the Council for Educational Advance; document reference: MSS.179/CEA/7/2]

Extract from the University of Warwick prospectus for 1968-69

It contains background information about the establishment of the university and its present situation.

[Included in the University of Warwick Archive]

Summary of the report of the Open University Planning Committee, 1969

Summary by the Trades Union Congress Education Committee. The Open University ("a University of the Air") was intended to provide an alternative route to higher education for those who may be excluded from a traditional university education. The report identifies mature students and married women as the main potential beneficiaries.

[Included in the archive of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292B/815.501/2]

"Students' unions are bent on self-destruction", 1970

Press release from Conservative Central Office, containing extracts from a speech by Roger Mountford, Chairman of the Federation of Conservative Students. Mountford attacks the politicisation of student unions, particularly their use of public money to mount campaigns against the Conservative government.

[Included in the archive of Stuart A. Raymond; document reference: MSS.197/1/9]

'Occupation News - Rents Dispute', 22 April 1975

First issue of a University of Warwick Students' Union newsletter regarding the student occupation of Senate House in protest at increased rents. It links the demonstration to the wider issue of cuts in government funding for higher education.

[Included in the 'Miscellaneous Series'; document reference: MSS.21/3429/2]

'Fight privatisation of our education', [1987]

Watford student leaflet protesting against the reduction in student grants and the proposed introduction of student loans.

[Included in the archive of the Socialist Party (formerly Militant Tendency; document reference: 601/H/4/8/2]

'Education Alliance Mail', undated [c1987]

Leaflet promoting the 'Save Our Schools' campaign, opposing the Education Reform Bill.

[Included in the archive of the Council for Educational Advance; document reference: MSS.179/CEA/6/6/5]

Survey of responses to the government regarding School Boards, undated [c1987]

Extract from interim report on a random sample of 1588 out of 7600 responses from parents, PTAs, School Councils, teachers and others.

[Included in the Trades Union Congress archives; document reference: MSS.292D/810.26/6]

'The Education Reform Bill: What will it mean for your child?', 1988

Guide issued to parents by Nottinghamshire County Council. The sections reproduced here explain the new National Curriculum and the changes in admissions to schools.

[Included in the Trades Union Congress archives; document reference: MSS.292D/810.26/6]

'An open letter to Members of both Houses of Parliament from the Council for Educational Advance', April 1988

Extract from CEA leaflet, summarising their opposition to the Education Reform Bill - "legislate in haste - repent at leisure".

[Included in the archive of the Council for Educational Advance; document reference: MSS.179/CEA/4/53]

'Education in the market place: The ideology behind the 1988 Education Bill', 1988

Pamphlet by Professor Ted Wragg, published by the National Union of Teachers. The extract shown here talks about the influence of "the market philosophy" on government education policy.

[Included in the archive of the Council for Educational Advance; document reference: MSS.179/CEA/6/6/5]