British Private Schools: Day Schools
Figure 1.--Here boys at a day school enjoy themselves after lunch with a little free play. Most boarding schools have a rest period after lunch.
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The image of boarding in some remote norther location sometimes comes to mind when one thinks of private schools in Britain. Many early private schools were boarding schools and britain has an extensive tradition of boarding which is not elsewhere replicated in Europe. The early public (private) established a tradition that continues to this day. Boarding was, however, expensive. Parents in Britain's expanding middle class in the 19th century wanted a private education for their children. But many simply could not afford the bosrding fees. Mostof Britain's preparatory schools were founded in the 19th century. Many were founded as boarding schools in rural areas. Day schools also appeared. For many schools, the day schools were looked down on by the private school educational community. Boarding was seen as an important part of the program. Over times the day schools became incresasingly important. This was especially the case after World War II when parents began to reassess the importance on boarding, especially for younger children. Ome effectoif this was the closing of many boarding schools or a shift to a day program. Britain's economic problems was another factor. Other factors favored day schools. One was urbanization. Schools once located in the country found themselves in the middle of a city. Also Britain's shift from an imperial world power to a European country meant that was less need for families stationed abroad to bosrd their children. Day schools are thus today a major component of the private educational sector.
