Tips for finding when small events happened
Government reports
Annual government reports issued by the various departments responsible for education in Victoria are a good source for statistical information such as attendance rates, numbers of pupils and teachers.
See a complete list of annual reports held by the Library on the Education Department tab.
Online
For 1872-73: "The average attendance in the schools at the end of December 1872 was 66,439. From the commencement of this year the attendance rapidly increased, and by the end of March it had reached 99,783."
Also included are statistical appendices showing: "in the case of each school whether it is a state or nonvested school; the attendance...and the rates of payment actually made or estimated to be made to...the teaching staff employed."
Year books
The Victorian year book 1873-2002 covers all major areas of Victorian life using narrative and statistical material. See our Victorian government publications research guide for more information about year books.
ABS
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) special report on the history of public instruction, pp.719-754 of No. 1 (1908) Year book, Australia (Online). This report covers State and private primary and secondary schools, university, and technical education, and includes historical statistics relating to enrolment and teacher and literacy rates. Also includes:
Other resources
Browse subject search results on the catalogue for: