Providing a wide-ranging, critical and up-to-date introduction to the history of education, this book explores its true meaning and value for education studies. With no assumption of prior knowledge, it considers key themes, individuals and situations in depth, highlighting the specific ways in which current educational practice is historically conditioned or, conversely, has been very different in other times and places and, by implication, might be different in the future. Chapters cover a diverse range of key topics, such as: the history of ‘big ideas’, such as liberal education the impact of state intervention on education the effects of imperialism the education of orators in ancient Rome the impact of Covid policies on British education the history of individual subjects, such as Geography the development of educational sectors Accessible and engaging chapters model a range of critical approaches to the past, while discussion questions challenge the reader to consider links with the present. New Studies in the History of Education introduces the sub-discipline to students of Education Studies and will help students and tutors to develop a more in-depth and critical understanding of the history of education, supporting them to develop their own historical awareness.