Alexandra M. de Pleijt
Human capital formation in the long run: evidence from average years of schooling in England, 1300–1900
Utrecht University
paper quantify average years education present english population 1307 1900 estimates based extensive source material literacy rates number primary secondary schools enrolment figures additional distinction made basis gender level schooling trends data indicative significant increases level educational attainment sixteenth seventeenth centuries remarkable growth schooling followed strong decline average years education ca 1720 whilst one seven boys entered secondary schooling end seventeenth century decreased one thirty 1880s overall trends data suggest education beneficial preindustrial economic growth sustained following initial stage industrialisation process