Private Schools
The Departmental Committee set up by Sir Charles Trevelyan, when he was President of the Board of Education in the last Labour Ministry, to report on the private schools has found them less blameworthy than the .advocates of State education for all alleged them to be. "A small proportion are so defective that they are harmful to the mental and physical welfare of their pupils " ; Mr. Squeers has still a few imitators. " A larger proportion are seriously weak and inefficient," presumably because the teachers charge low fees and are poor. But the Committee declares that most private schools arc above serious reproach, and many, as wise parents know, are excellent. And the Committee confirms its verdict by showing extreme caution in its recommendations. This I3alaam, brought by the Labour Ratak, if not to curse, at any rate to recommend full State regulation, has simply proposed public supervision based on inspection and the maintenance of a minimum standard of education and equipment. Regular medical inspection is to be en- couraged though not enforced, and the general super- vision is " to safeguard freedom, avoid irritation and economize cost." No decent private schoolmaster will object to these very sensible proposals, which will tend to strengthen his position.
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