Education in Mill-En
As a country of equality there is no distinction between the educations of girls and boys. Most Mill’enese subjects are able to read and write. However in the remote and rural parts of the country side schools are far and few between and education is less common. Farmers and those that work the land often start this work very young and as literacy is not required for the work it is normal for them to be uneducated. Slaves also come into the category of manual labourers and are never educated.
As is common in most parts of the world, education is closely linked to Religion. In Mill-en, schools of the Teacher spread the gift of learning. An educated population is an enlightened one. However it is also common for Schools of the Merchant to offer scholarships. This is to ensure there is always the next generation of craftsmen and merchants on which the economy is based.
Education at Home (Nobility and children on a Nobles Estate)
It is common for families of wealth and social standing to employee a School Master or Governess. It is perfectly acceptable for an Educator of either sex to teach all children and in most households all of the children are taught together. It is common for the children of household staff and servants to also attend classes as long as this does not interfere with any work they are expected to do to pay for their upkeep. It is then expected that the debt for an education received in this way will be paid off by the student with a number of years service to the family.
A standard Education begins at age 5 and involves reading, writing, arithmetic and religious learning. Classes are held 5 days a week mostly mornings only. Classes generally begin at 10am to allow the children of standing to breakfast and be dressed. This also allows the common children time to do their chores and work.
At the age of 7 education develops into appreciation of literature and advanced arithmetic. At this level only the family children and children learning craft skills involving geometry and account keeping will continue their education along with an apprenticeship with the Estates existing craftsmen and women. This education will last another 3 years.
Education at School (Commoners)
There are many public schools in Mill-en. Each child is allowed an education of some form although not all families take advantage of this. These are day schools which a child can attend when they are not working and can afford the lessons, normally a bushel a day. These schools are often run by the church as well as trading houses. Some wealthy merchants will also fund a small school. Scholarships are often granted to children, the debt for the education is then paid back in labour to the benefactor for an agreed number of years. These scholarships will often lead to an apprenticeship in a craft trade. These Schools provide a basic education in reading, writing, mathematics and religion. There is no set age for a child to leave as often the education is sporadic and will take many years.

Further Education
At the age of 10 Children will then be sent to a boarding school to continue their education in a defined field such as medicine, law and science. Only children of nobility can attend these schools or those who have received a scholarship from a benefactor. The cost for this education can be high. Children of no standing who are bright enough can also study for a diploma in education at this stage. They can then become a School Master, Mistress or Governess. It is most uncommon for nobility to enter this field as socially you are always in the employ of another. It is very rare for a School Master or Mistress to fund their own school.
At age 14 first born children of Nobility will often return to their homes to learn the running of the estate which they will in turn inherit. They may again study in the Estates schoolroom. Younger siblings will often enter the priesthood at this age or begin a military career, often with their fathers buying a commission. Law is another avenue for nobles as is medicine and children will often find a position with a suitable practitioner. These initial apprenticeships will last 2 years until the child becomes an adult at 16.
At 16 they will then normally continue in these chosen careers. However they can continue a formal education for a further 2 years in their specific area of study at a University, become a professor and then teach at the University. This is often a choice made by those who will have little to no inheritance. Once they have gained their Doctorate they may practice in their chosen field for many years and return to teaching in the later years of their lives.
Paying off the debt of a scholarship can take many years and is always agreed by the child’s parents when the education begins.