* Wealthy boys: Received a classical education at grammar schools, often boarding schools, learning Latin, Greek, rhetoric, and some mathematics. This prepared them for university and careers in the church, law, or government.
* Middle-class boys: Might attend a grammar school, though perhaps only for a shorter period or a less rigorous curriculum. Others might receive apprenticeships in trades instead of a formal education.
* Poor boys: Often had little or no formal schooling. They might learn a trade from a family member or become apprentices. Some charity schools existed, offering basic literacy and religious instruction to poor children.
So while not all boys attended school, a significant portion did, depending on their social standing. It wasn't universal education as we understand it today, but education was certainly available, particularly for boys from wealthier families.