The Education Act, also known as the Forster’s Act allowed for school boards to require the education of local towns. It was an attempt to educate children especially in the East End of London. That way they could be educated and might break away from the routines of the working-class generations before them. The act was enforced in 1870 but revisions of the act happened in 1876 and 1880. The revisions expanded the number of East End children going to school, however, it took them away from work. They were no longer able to earn money for the households which became problematic for a while. This act was still in use at the time of A City Girl and most children were being taught basic education.

Harkness, Margaret. A City Girl, edited Tabitha Sparks. Broadview editions 1887.