Following sweeping education reform, the teaching of classics was in sharp decline in UK state schools from the 1970s. In 2010, researchers estimated that classics was taught in only 25% of state schools, compared with 75% of schools in the independent sector.
Classics for All was established to reverse this trend. It aims to raise the aspirations and build the cultural capital of young people from all backgrounds by teaching them about the ancient world.
Restoring classics to state schools is a challenge. Barriers include a shortage of qualified teachers, a crowded curriculum and the enduring myth that classics is only for a privileged few.
Over the last 14 years with our support, interest in classical subjects has grown rapidly. We have worked with over 180,000 pupils aged 7-18 in over 1,200 schools introducing them to all things classical from Latin to Homeric epic.