* State-funded and controlled: Unlike the charity schools and private schools that preceded them, board schools were funded primarily by local rates (taxes) and national grants, and managed by locally elected school boards. This ensured wider access, although funding levels varied across districts.
* Secular education: While religious instruction was often permitted, it was not compulsory. The schools aimed to provide a neutral education focused on basic literacy, numeracy, and practical skills, unlike many church schools which heavily emphasized religious teaching. This was a major point of contention at the time.
* Universal elementary education: The aim was to provide education for all children between the ages of 5 and 13. Attendance was initially encouraged, then made compulsory through legislation. However, enforcement remained a challenge, particularly in poverty-stricken areas.
* Standardized curriculum: Though not completely uniform, board schools followed a broadly standardized curriculum designed to teach basic reading, writing, arithmetic, and often some elements of science, history, and geography. Discipline was often strict.
* Large, often austere buildings: Board schools were typically built to accommodate large numbers of pupils, often in imposing, functional buildings reflecting the era's architecture. They were often less aesthetically pleasing than some private schools, reflecting their utilitarian purpose.
* Teacher training: The quality of teaching varied considerably depending on the resources available to the school board and the qualifications of the teachers. Teacher training was developing during this period, but not yet standardized across the board.
The establishment of board schools was a landmark achievement in social reform, significantly increasing literacy rates and contributing to a more educated workforce. However, the system was not without its flaws, including issues of funding disparities between regions, overcrowded classrooms, and concerns about the quality of teaching in some schools. The system laid the groundwork for future developments in British education.