> Thematic History

> 1850-1901:
Education for Women
- Victorian Ideals
- Woman Physician
- Ladies College

> 1902-1913:
Education & Vocation
- Learning at ELC
- The Westfield Way

> 1914-1945:
War & Circumstance
- The Great War
- WWII Evacuation
- Learning & Leisure

> 1946-1959:
Peace & Acceptance
- Restoration
- Medicine & Dentistry

> 1960-present:
Change & Opportunity
- Women in Science
- Creativity & Diversity
- Then & Now

The years of rebuilding and rationing after the end of the Second World War had an inevitable impact on educational provision and student life. However, as life got back to normal, hopes for the future were renewed.

Legislation brought in new public services, including the National Insurance Act 1946 and National Health Service Act 1948. Butler’s 1944 Education Act meant that education was extended. The school-leaving age was raised to 15 and universal free education was provided for all. The barriers to social mobility would lessen as
access to education increased.

During this period, increasing numbers of students began to enrol in higher education. This included women who were also accepted into previously prohibited professions, such as medicine.