Harris, E.T.; (2007) Anglo-Jewry's experience of secondary education from the 1830s until 1920. Doctoral thesis , University of London.

Text U592088.pdf Download (13MB)

Abstract

This thesis examines the birth of secondary education for Jews in England, focusing on the middle classes as defined in the text. This study explores various types of secondary education that are categorised under one of two generic terms - Jewish secondary education or secondary education for Jews. The former describes institutions, offered by individual Jews, which provided a blend of religious and/or secular education. The latter focuses on non-Jewish schools which accepted Jews (and some which did not but were, nevertheless, attended by Jews). Whilst this work emphasises London and its environs, other areas of Jewish residence, both major and minor, are also investigated. The provincial cities of Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester, the towns of Bristol, Canterbury, Exeter, Gravesend and Portsmouth, and the resorts of Brighton, Dover and Ramsgate, are examined. This thesis endeavours to evaluate the Jewish schools' achievements, however limited they might initially appear. Student numbers, in general, remained small and the establishments faced constant financial distress. Nevertheless, what success they had illustrates the devotion of individuals to the task. The failure of others will illustrate not only a lack of financial support, but a failure to develop a wider commitment to the creation of a regulated system of Jewish secondary schooling. Any success emanating from Jewish institutions was invariably overshadowed by the non- Jewish schools with their renowned educational backgrounds, esteemed alumni, and a willingness to admit some Jews. The history of Jewish secondary education in England is a crucial topic for a complete understanding of the ideas and aspirations of the Jewish middle classes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This study seeks to place the world of Jewish education within the context of Anglo-Jewish history in particular and within the wider context of England's educational history as a whole.

Download activity - last month

Export as CSVJSONXML

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Archive Staff Only

View Item