PRECEPTORS, College of, London, Eng land, a training school for teachers founded in 1846 and granted a Royal Charter in 1849 efor the purpose of promoting sound learning and of advancing the interests of education, espe cially among the middle classes, by affording facilities to the teacher for acquiring a knowl edge of his profession.° The college estab lished examinations for teachers and for stu dents in the secondary schools, issuing diplomas and certificates; and performed pioneer work in the training of teachers for the secondary schools. The school examinations, established in 1853, served as standards by which teachers could guide their work. The first examination in the theory and practice of education was held in 1867 and in 1873 the first professorship in education in England was established by the college. There are practical examinations for certificates of ability to teach as well as the written theoretical examinations; and there are, as well, winter meetings and short courses for teachers. The examinations conducted for
pupils in secondary schools have proved of value as the marks obtained are recognized by the board of education and by many profes sional associations. The college has power to inspect schools and decide upon their suitable housing and equipment, as well as upon the adequacy of the teaching staff and the general organization. Membership in the college is open to persons over 18 years of age who have passed the examination prescribed by the coun cil and been thereafter elected. The college is located in Bloomsbury Square and has a library of 10,000 volumes. The organ of the college is the Educational Times, published monthly and one of the oldest educational journals in England. Consult