The creation of Santa Irene High School in Vigo: A background study (1842-1946)

Abstract

The secondary school reforms approved during Pidal´s Ministry in 1845 were essential for the development of modern, public secondary education in urban areas in Spain. However, despite the great social expansion of the city of Vigo during the second half of the 19th century and the local efforts made to achieve it, the city did not have an educational institution of this kind until 1927. Almost twenty years later, thanks to the American legacy of Policarpo Sanz, the city was finally able to build a magnificent building and facilities for this institution.