the grammar school,
improved markedly. In contrast to how the grammar school pupils had been
viewed previously, it was now thought possible to distinguish among the
grammar school boys the country's hopes for the future. It was they who would
head authorities and firms. It was not that the grammar school gave them the
education they needed for their future working lives, but that their school days
afforded them a social position which could lead directly or indirectly to
leading positions. The grammar school students were regarded as superior to
their contemporaries in the town. During the 19th century the became
increasingly a school for the sons of the well-to-do. Even boys from the very
highest level in the country could now be sent to the grammar school (Florin
and Johansson 1993).
This development also affected the position of grammar school teachers in a
positive direction. Their social status improved markedly, and so did their
salaries. Their professional position was strengthened through the introduction
of new teaching subjects, and, in other ways, the educational level was raised
and they became more independent of the Church.