The making of the backward pupil in education in England, 1870-1914

This work develops Michael Foucault's ideas and explores new territory - Foucault being particularly interested in the way events in the past continue to influence the present day.

Starting from the point of the co-existence of two Royal Commissions on different aspects of elementary education in the period 1886-89, the study shows how this had profound consequences.

Though overlooked by historians, from here on, educational provision for the pupil judged backward began to be divorced from that for the mainstream.

From witness evidence to a Committee of Enquiry of the Education Department, a picture of the organization of the first seven classes for backward pupils is constructed.