This book takes a novel approach to the topic combining biographical approaches and local history a synthesis of sociological and historical literature with new research to address a variety of themes and provide a comprehensive rounded history demonstrating the entanglement of educational experience and the influence of different modes of discrimination and prejudice. Using the lens of gender Jane Martin reassesses the gendered nature of the modern history of education and provides an overview of intertwined aspects of education society politics and power. Its organisation is user friendly providing accessible information with regard to chronologies of legislation and key events to reflect constancy and change whilst mapping the larger political economic social and cultural contexts making it ideal for use as a textbook or a resource for teachers and students.