Schoolmaster qualifications 1840s

[radstockjeff]

I have a copy of an obit for Edward Smith,(Shields Gazette  3rd Nov 1900) which says that at the age of about 25 in 1842 he was appointed schoolmaster at Lumley School. The 1841 Census describes him as a grocer in Gateshead.
What would have been a relevant qualification to be a schoolmaster at that time?
My only other knowledge of him around that time was that he was a leading member at the Bethesda Methodist New Connexion Church in Gateshead.
Any comments appreciated.

[sallyyorks]

I don't think there would have been any formal qualifications at these dates.
School education wasn't made compulsory for a few more decades

[medpat]

Even later than that no qualifications were needed.

My father was born in 1916, should have gone to grammar school but his parents couldn't afford it. Left his school at 14 just in time for the depression and couldn't get an apprenticeship. His secondary school asked him to teach the first years and paid him - he did this until he managed to get his apprenticeship.

 

[stanmapstone]

This guide may help http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/teacher-training/

Some additional information on Pupil Teachers from
http://www.camelotintl.com/heritage/victorian_school/hitch12.html
In an effort to improve standards the national Committee of Council on Education introduced the pupil teacher system in 1846. The first five pupil teachers at Hitchin British Schools were selected for training in 1847. They were aged 13 and 14 years. Trainees were apprenticed to study and to teach in the school for five years. At the end of each year they were examined by an Inspector. If they passed the inspection they were paid £10 a year in the first year rising to £20 in their fifth year. Girls were paid only 2/3 of these amounts.

Stan

[radstockjeff]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting.
Stan, by the time the more formal training mentioned came about Edward had ceased to be a schoolmaster and had gone then to work for Gallon & Co a paper maker at Felling Shore until he retired well into his seventies.