<P> The history of education in England is documented from Saxon settlement of England, and the setting up of the first cathedral schools in 597 and 604 . </P> <P> Education in England remained closely linked to religious institutions until the nineteenth century, although charity schools and "free grammar schools", which were open to children of any religious beliefs, became more common in the early modern period . Nineteenth century reforms expanded education provision and introduced widespread state - funded schools . By the 1880s education was compulsory for children aged 5 to 10, with the school leaving age progressively raised since then, most recently to 18 in 2015 . </P>

When did the education system start in the uk