The Development of Industrial Schools

Industrial Schools Act, 1857

Vagrant, destitute, and disorderly children could be committed to Certified Industrial Schools, which were under the jurisdiction of the Privy Council for Education until they were transferred to the control of the Home Officer in 1861.

Industrial Schools Act, 1861

The conditions on which children were to be sent were defined more clearly as:- Children under 14 who were found begging or wandering or who were beyond parental control, and children under 12 who had committed a punishable offence. No child could be admitted if he had been previously convicted. There was no lower age limit but inmates could not be detained beyond the age of 15.

Industrial Schools Act, 1866

An Industrial School was defined as: "A school in which children are lodged, clothed and fed, as well as taught." This Act consolidated previous Acts and extended the period of detention to the age of 16.

The Children Act, 1908

"The expression 'Industrial School' means a school for the industrial training of children, in which children are lodged, clothed, and fed, as well as taught."

Six categories of children could be committed to them, namely :-

1. Children under 14 not adequately cared for.
2. Children under 12 guilty of a punishable offence.
3. Children under 14 chared with a punishable offence.
4. Children under 14 beyond parental control.
5. Children under 14 beyond the control of a Poor Law Union.
6. Children under school age who do not comply with the school attendance order.