The British & Foreign School Society: The Past

The Past

One of the landmarks in the development of universal schooling was the opening of Joseph Lancaster's school at Borough Road, Southwark in 1798. A teacher training institution was added soon afterwards.

'The Society for Promoting the Lancasterian System for the Education of the Poor' was formed in 1808 to carry forward Lancaster's work, which was supported by a number of prominent evangelical and non-conformist Christians including William Wilberforce. In 1814 the Society was renamed the 'British and Foreign School Society' (BFSS), and throughout the 19th century set up 'British Schools' and teacher training institutions on non-sectarian principles. In addition to its work in Britain it established schools overseas and provided staff and support.

The 'Lancasterian System' was designed to provide a basic education for as many children as possible with the funds available, and despite a great shortage of teachers. Monitors (older children who had already been taught the "three Rs") taught groups of younger children in turn.

The 'Lancasterian System':
Reading being taught by a monitor

After the state took the main responsibility, the BFSS continued to sponsor teacher training institutions. These have now merged with other colleges, or have closed. The Borough Road College in Isleworth merged with the West London Institute of Higher Education in 1976, which in turn became part of Brunel University in 1995.

The Borough Road College, 1842

The Society's Archive Centre at Brunel University is a rich source of information for researchers. One of the original British Schools, at Hitchin in Hertfordshire, has been restored by Hitchin British Schools Trust to its original state: it now offers a complete experience of 19th century schooling to classes of visiting children.

Hitchin British School - class re-enactment

Primary schoolchildren experience learning
in the 1880s at Hitchin British School

The Society now administers various trusts and funds in pursuit of its aims:-

"...the advancement of education, that is, the physical, mental, moral, religious and spiritual development of the whole person regardless of national, racial or cultural background in accordance with the principles of the Christian faith but on a non-sectarian and inter-denominational basis and without credal tests."

Location >> BFSS - The Past