Ancient history

Where did medieval children go for education?

Medieval children who were lucky enough to receive an education would have attended a variety of schools, depending on their social status and location. Here are some of the most common types of schools during the Middle Ages:

- Parish schools: These schools, associated with a local church or monastery, provided basic literacy and religious education for boys and sometimes girls.

- Cathedral schools: These schools, attached to a cathedral, provided more advanced education and served as preparatory institutions for further studies.

- Monastic schools: These schools, operated within monasteries and convents, offered advanced education to boys and occasionally girls who intended to become monks or nuns.

- Chantry schools: Founded by wealthy individuals or guilds, these schools provided education and religious instruction to a limited number of students.

- Guild schools: Established by trade guilds and merchant companies, these schools primarily focused on vocational training related to the respective guilds.

- Royal and noble courts: Children from noble families would receive education within their households, with tutors providing lessons on a range of subjects, including chivalry, literature, languages, and courtly etiquette.

- Universities: The medieval period witnessed the rise of universities, which became centers of higher learning and attracted students from all over Europe. These universities offered specialized education in theology, law, medicine, and philosophy.