The need for improvement having been demonstrated, the next thing was to secure it. The Endowed Schools Act of 1869 contained a Clause which provided that 'In framing schemes under this Act provision shall be made, as far as conveniently may be, for extending to girls the benefits of endowments.' The immediate result of this was a widespread activity in the direction of the extension of educational facilities of a higher order to girls, and the establishment of a higher type of school than had previously existed, with the exception, of course, of those already named.
The most distinctive landmark in the progress of women in regard to education was furnished by the Universities. In 1867 and in 1871 attempts were made to found colleges for women which should be of University rank. The first was established at Hitchin, but removed to new premises at Girton in 1873. Miss Emily Davis, the aged woman suffrage leader, was one of the founders of Girton College, and Miss Anna Clough was the founder of the other, which, beginning in 1871 in a humble way to prepare young women for University examinations, is now world-famous as Newnham College. Both colleges made application to the University of Cambridge for the admission of women to the examinations for University degrees.
