In June, 1857, the University of Oxford passed a Statute establishing annual Examinations of persons not members of the University. The general plan, and many or most of the details, were due to Mr T. D. Acland and Dr Temple. The idea was encouraged, and suggestions for its realization were made, by many men of eminence in very different professions, amongst whom may be specially mentioned Messrs Ruskin, Dyce, Hullah, Richmond, Prof. Max Müller, and Dr Harvey Goodwin, besides many actively engaged in the work of education in the large Grammar Schools. The University of Cambridge readily adopted the general plan of Examinations; and, after making such alterations as were suggested by renewed correspondence with those engaged in education, established in Feb. 1858 a scheme which in all but minor details was the same as that now in operation. The first Ex- amination by the University of Cambridge took place in December, 1858. Girls were admitted to the Cambridge Examinations in 1865.

The promoters of these Examinations were anxious to fill a void in the education of the country. The system of inspection carried out by the Privy Council afforded an adequate test and stimulus for the schools of the poorer classes.