How was formal education started in the world?

Answer 1

In many societies, the elite let their children (generally boys) have certain education to be "cultivated". In Ancient Greece physical education that is useful for war could be combined with philosophy, mathematics etc.

Until industrialisation it was generally only children of the social elite that got education, but for two reasons the "farmers' children" and other "simpler classes" needed to "be educated".

One was the need to have industrial workers that could: read instructions, count, write reports, obey foremen, start work on time every day, work in collaboration, be honest, handle machines safely etc.

Other need was to cultivate the urbanised people that often suffered misery: to be religious, take good care of their families instead of being promiscuous, lessen alcohol abuse, to know about hygiene and health, to know "culture" (the rich man's culture) instead of engaging in criminal activity.

With time this evolved to a democratic struggle: those that have little knowledge do often not engage in public matters and have little democratic influence, and are easily manipulated by populist leaders. One "could not let ignorant people have right to vote"... Also every person ought to have the opportunity to study for the profession of own desire and talent, not determined by social class only.

The forces to promote public schools were churches, rich benefactors and philanthropists, political parties, and some industries, before it became a governmental responsibility for all people's benefit.