This paper discusses voluntary schools in the former British colonies of Singapore, Malaysia, and Fiji, and the relevance of some aspects of voluntaryism for government schooling in Australia. The first section presents the historical background to the voluntary principle by which schools are owned and operated by non-government agencies assisted…

Traces changing attitudes in the British Colonial Office toward education in the colonies during and after World War II. Argues that the loose consensus of agreement concerning education that existed between the government and the colonial officials was radically changed by the appointment of Andrew Cohen, Assistant Under-Secretary of State. (KO)

A more objective assessment of British colonial education policy calls for a deeper appreciation of the nature and limitations of colonial government, the difficulties associated with interpreting the trusteeship principle, and the influence of local conditions in determining educational policy and practice. (Author)

Rejects Kilemi Mwiria's contention that the primary goal of the educational system in colonial Kenya was to deliberately prepare Africans for subjugation and subordination. Contends that the British government did not have the funds to support expansion or improvement of the African educational system. (CFR)