The Age of University Education for British Youth in the Early 1900s

In the early 1900s, British youth typically began attending university around the age of 18 or 19. This age aligned with the completion of secondary education, which culminated in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations. However, it was not uncommon for some students to start university slightly earlier or later depending on their individual circumstances and educational backgrounds. The process and age for university education were significantly influenced by the socio-economic status of the students.

Class-Dependent Educational Routes

The statutory age for leaving school was 12, by which time one could read, write, and perform basic arithmetic. This typically led to employment in local farms, mines, or trawlers. If fortunate, students might secure an apprenticeship in trades such as grocer, butcher, or carpenter.

Public Schools and Preparatory Education

For students from wealthier families, attending Public Schools was a common route. These schools, often at a premium expense, offered preparatory schools (prep schools) where students were sent at the age of 13. The prep school exams determined the student's admission to a Public School, where they prepared for one of the four professions: the Church, Medicine, The Law, or the Army. The navy had its own academies.

Higher Schools and Commerce

For those who could not afford Public School, attending a higher school was another option. These schools were less expensive compared to Public Schools and offered education until the age of 16. Students learned subjects such as mathematics, English composition, a foreign language (typically French), history, geography, art, and science. Upon completion, they received a school certificate that prepared them for an apprenticeship in commerce, such as engineering, law, or banking. Some might continue to university for a four-year degree program, which was relatively uncommon.

Students could also enter a Sixth Form, specializing in science or arts, to earn a Higher School Certificate (HSC). This route was more common for middle-class students who could not afford Public School and had performed well in HSC exams. Scholarships, including State Scholarships and County Scholarships, financed from bequests by successful alumni, were available to those who showed exceptional intelligence.

University Education and Admission

University specialization was a key feature of higher education. Students typically chose one subject or a closely related group of subjects, such as physics, modern languages, geography, or Greek, Latin, and philosophy. After two years of study, students could complete a degree, but more often, they pursued a third year to earn Honours. Honours were graded as Summa cum Laude (A), First (A), Magna cum Laude (A), Second (B), or Cum Laude (C).

With a First Class degree, students might be invited to stay on as a graduate student to conduct original research for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This PhD qualification was valuable, granting the right to teach in "Any University in Christendom." However, no duty to pay such a university was imposed.

The structure of the university admission and education process was heavily influenced by the socio-economic class of the students. While the general trend was to start university around 18-19, the individual circumstances often played a significant role in determining the exact age of entry and the educational pathways available.