Who made school a mandatory institution and when?

Ancient Greek philosopher Plato is often credited with laying the groundwork for modern compulsory education in the 4th century BCE, suggesting that children should be taken out of their families and placed in communal institutions to receive a rigorous education. However, it was not until the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America that governments began to formalize compulsory education laws, making school mandatory for all children. In 1852, Prussia became the first country to establish compulsory education laws, requiring all children between the ages of 6 and 12 to attend school. This marked the beginning of a significant shift towards universal education, as other countries such as France, Britain, and the United States soon followed suit. The key factor driving this change was the growing recognition that educated workers would be more productive and contribute to the economic growth of their respective nations. As a result, governments began to invest in public education systems, establishing schools and training teachers to provide formal instruction to children from all backgrounds.

The introduction of compulsory education is a pivotal moment in shaping modern societies. In England, Thomas Arnold played a significant role in promoting educational reform and making schools mandatory for children between the ages of five and ten. His efforts led to the passage of the Forster Act in 1870, which made primary education accessible to all children. This legislation not only marked a crucial turning point in the history of compulsory education but also paved the way for other countries to adopt similar policies.