Meaning: This quote by Joseph Lancaster, an educator, highlights the significant number of children in the metropolis who attend schools and the financial burden this places on their parents. Joseph Lancaster was a renowned English educational reformer who made significant contributions to the development of the monitorial system of education in the early 19th century. This system, also known as the Lancasterian system, involved older or more advanced students teaching younger or less advanced ones, under the supervision of a single teacher. Lancaster's work aimed to make education more accessible and affordable for a larger number of children, particularly those from lower-income families.

In the quote, Lancaster estimates that among a million people living in the metropolis, approximately twenty-five thousand children attend schools. He emphasizes the financial cost that this education imposes on their parents, stating that it amounts to as many pounds sterling per annum. This figure underscores the substantial financial commitment required for parents to provide their children with an education in the city.

Lancaster's emphasis on the number of children attending schools in the metropolis reflects his concern for the accessibility of education to a large urban population. During his time, the Industrial Revolution had led to rapid urbanization, and there was a growing need for educational opportunities for the children of the working class. Lancaster's work was driven by the belief that education should not be limited to the privileged few but should be made available to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

The quote also sheds light on the economic challenges faced by families in providing education for their children. The cost of schooling, as mentioned by Lancaster, would have been a significant financial burden for many parents, particularly those from lower-income households. This highlights the inequalities in access to education based on economic means, a concern that remains relevant in contemporary society.

Lancaster's advocacy for accessible education aligns with his pioneering efforts in developing the monitorial system, which aimed to provide education to a larger number of students with limited resources. Through this system, a single teacher could oversee the education of a large group of students, making it more efficient and cost-effective. By leveraging the abilities of older or more advanced students to assist in teaching, Lancaster sought to address the challenge of providing education to a growing urban population with limited resources.

Overall, Lancaster's quote encapsulates his commitment to improving access to education, particularly for children in urban areas. His work in advocating for affordable and accessible education, as well as his contributions to the development of the monitorial system, has left a lasting impact on the history of educational reform. The quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of making education accessible to all, irrespective of economic circumstances, and the need to address the financial barriers that can hinder children's access to learning opportunities.