This volume examines issues of low self-esteem among pupils at secondary modern schools, academic versus practical curricula, assessment and challenges for teachers - issues which are still pertinent today. The articles which make up this book, originally published in the journal The Schoolmaster were originally published at the time of The Education Act 1944 which changed the education system for secondary schools in England and Wales. This Act made secondary education free for all pupils and introduced the tripartite system of education, of which secondary modern schools were one part.