Definition of the word grammar school

The term "grammar school" originated during the medieval period in Europe, particularly in England. At that time, education was primarily focused on teaching Latin grammar and literature, as Latin was the language of the Catholic Church and the legal system. In the 16th century, King Edmund I established a system of grammar schools throughout England, known as the "King's Schools." These schools aimed to provide free education to poor boys, with the main focus on Latin grammar and rhetoric. These schools helped to spread literacy and provided a pathway for social mobility through education. The term "grammar school" became commonly used to describe these types of schools, as opposed to other types of educational institutions like primary schools (elementary schools) and university colleges. During the 19th century, the concept of grammar schools changed as the British education system evolved. Grammar schools became selective, fee-paying institutions that provided academic education for boys with higher intelligence and social status, while primary education was available, but still often provided in churches or by private tutors. The 1944 Education Act aimed to overhaul the educational system, establishing comprehensive schools that merged grammar and secondary modern schools, providing education to all students based on their ability rather than their social background. The term "grammar school" still has different connotations in different parts of the world. In England, it still describes selective, high-performing secondary schools, while in the United States, for example, the term is now relatively unused in practice.