The Reform Of Thomas·Arnold And Its Effects

British public schools have an unique position in educational system in the United Kingdom, the schools have formed their own characteristics during the 600 years of developmental history, and the characteristics have been translated into a kind of value orientation, deeply rooted in the national character. They are always full of contradictions and conflicts during their entire developmental history, they experienced the admiring brilliant era, and also experienced the confused state of grumbling. Reform of the 19th century is a watershed in the developmental history of the public school. In the face of intense social change, the schools have to reform themselves timely in order to adapt to the demands of social political and economical development.This paper attempts to analysis the background,measures and the effects of the reform which was advocated by Thomas Arnold in Rugby Public school in the 19th century in order to demonstrate the characteristics of public school, their spirit of advancing with the time and they are bold in reform. At the same time, through analysising the leaders of the reform, we can feel their unique charisma. Finally, according to deeply understanding of the reform, we can find out some characteristics and mode of development of public school in order to provide some experience to China's education.