Pre – 1900 The first training colleges for elementary school teachers were set up in the first half of the 19^th century. By 1850 there were over 30; all but 5 of which were associated with the Church of England. Conditions, especially for women were poor.

As the government got involved with educational reform in the 19th century  it become apparent that more trained teachers were needed. With few teacher training colleges by 1846 a national pupil-teacher scheme had been launched. It allowed   selected school pupils, aged 13 or over, who fulfilled certain scholastic, moral and physical conditions. to train as teachers of young children without leaving the home environments, whilst earning a wage to support their families and provided teaching assistants for rural schools.

From 1870 women teachers began to outnumber menin elementarys chools

These young pupil teachers served a 5 year apprenticeship under a head master. They would teach throughout the school day and be taught by the head teacher outside school hours for one and a half hours per day, 5 days a week. The pupil-teacher was paid  £10.00 p.a (or 1/3 less for girls) and the head  a subsidy of £5.00 p.a.  There was an annual inspection by HMI.

On completion of their apprenticeship the pupil-teacher would be eligible to  to sit an examination for the ‘Queens’s Scholarship.’ This would qualify the holder for a place in a training college with a maintenance grant of £25 for men, £20 for women. If they could not afford to delay working, or did not wish to, they could take up a position in a grant-aided elementary school as an ‘Uncertificated Teacher’. Training college students who successfully completed 1,2, or 3 years of training would be awarded 1^st class, 2^nd class or 3^rd class [3rd class being the higher rank .] This Teacher’s Certificate entitled them to an annual supplement to their salary.

By 1900 25% of teachers were pupil teachers. In 1914 75% of elementary teachers were women.

The system underwent many modifications with college courses replacing pupil- teacher apprenticeships. In the 1950’s  ‘uncertificated’ teachers with between 5 and 15 years teaching experience were required to take a short course to obtain a Teachers Certificate’. Teachers with a longer service might be upgraded.