ELEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS For many years examinations of all the pupils in each public elementary school in Great Britain were conducted by the Govern ment inspectors. The system lasted from 1862 till 1895 and was known as "payment by results" (see ELEMENTARY EDUCA TION) . The principal reason for its abolition was the cramping effect it had alike on teachers and taught. Central schools, so far, have had no leaving examination, though one has been proposed by the commission on the education of the adolescent.
In France there is an elementary leaving certificate with written and oral tests called the certificat d'etudes priraires, generally supposed to be passed at the age of 12, but often taken earlier. There is a leaving certificate for the higher primary school, which also serves for entrance into the training colleges.