'so excellent a Work'

How did the public education system which now educates 93% of children in the UK begin? How did it evolve so that admission to 25% of state primary and 6% of state secondary schools is still controlled by the Church of England? ‘so excellent a Work’ explores the first 135 years of this important and fascinating national story.

It began with a movement at the beginning of the 18th century which encouraged every parish in England and Wales to set up a charity school for the poor, a project which Queen Anne described as ‘so excellent a Work’. Inspired by this initiative, in 1710 six enterprising and philanthropic men established a school to serve their own ancient community, the Royal Liberty of Havering. Against the odds, their foundation has continued to this day.

Set against the changing historical panorama, this is the story of that charity school, the community it served, and the local people whose commitment ensured its survival. It is the story of the national politicians and personalities who fought for – or opposed – the establishment of a national system of public education for ‘the lower orders’. Their motives, their attitudes and their rivalries may surprise you!