The 1944 Education Act aimed to improve education access and outcomes in Britain. It raised the compulsory school leaving age to 15, providing all children a minimum of secondary education. At age 11, children took an exam that determined if they attended an academic-focused senior secondary school or trades-focused junior secondary school. However, the exam system was criticized for penalizing poorer students and determining children's futures too early. Labour also introduced new school buildings to replace those damaged in war and accommodate growing student populations, though secondary schools remained outdated in many areas.