Lancasterian schools

Lancasterian schools were innovative educational institutions established in the early 19th century, inspired by Joseph Lancaster’s method. They utilized a single experienced teacher to instruct large groups of students simultaneously, often employing monitors—more advanced students—to assist with teaching and classroom management. This approach aimed to expand access to education cost-effectively, especially in impoverished or rural areas, by maximizing the teacher’s reach across many learners at once. The method emphasized peer learning and was a precursor to modern large-scale schooling systems, reflecting a practical solution to the educational demands of growing populations during that era.