The Education Act of 1944, also known as the Butler Act, was a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that transformed the education system. It aimed to provide free secondary education for all children and established a tripartite system of schools: grammar schools, secondary modern schools, and technical schools. This act ensured that education was accessible to all, regardless of social background. Additionally, the act raised the school leaving age to 15 and emphasized the importance of religious education. It also introduced the concept of local education authorities, which were responsible for managing schools and ensuring educational standards across their regions.