1864, the Clarington Committee published an investigation report, and made suggestions on the disadvantages of public schools. Under the influence of this report, some changes have gradually taken place in public schools. The first is the expansion of the course content. English, modern language, mathematics and science are paid more and more attention to meet the requirements of economic development. Second, the reform of public school directors. 1869 public schools jointly set up principals' associations. From then on, only principals of schools with better conditions are eligible to join the principals' association, which is a kind of impetus to the reform of public schools.
1868, Downton School Committee suggested in its report that three types of middle schools should be set up according to social class: the first type of middle schools are for children of aristocrats and big bourgeoisie, from 12 to 18 years old, mainly focusing on classical subjects to prepare for entering universities. The second kind of middle schools are designed for middle-class children, ranging from 12 to 16. In addition to Latin, the courses also include modern languages, mathematics and natural sciences, and train professionals in business, medicine and law. The third kind of middle schools are set up for the children of the middle and lower classes, aged from 12 to 14. They mainly focus on practical subjects such as English, elementary mathematics, natural science, history and geography, and mainly train talents engaged in ordinary occupations. The proposal was not adopted because of the immature conditions, but it had an important impact on the development of secondary education later.