Each volume in the Women in History series uses documentary evidence, quotations and contemporary pictures to evaluate the often neglected contribution women have made in shaping history. Case studies of both famous and lesser-known women are included to supplement the text. Tracing the development of women's education in the UK from the Middle Ages to the present day, this text examines the ways in which women have often been educated only to fulfil the specific roles of wife, mother or servant. It charts women's struggle to gain access to higher education, and gives equal attention to the experiences of both middle-class and working-class women. The book concludes with an explanation of the debate about gender issues which are relevant to women's education. The text will be suitable background reading for GCSE studies and Scottish Standard Grade.