Victorian education, as with many other things, was dependent upon class — those from wealthier families would see more of it, and higher quality, than those in working class homes. Still, the Forester Act (1870) would ensure that the children of Charming have at least some basic knowledge, allowing them a greater foothold in the future.

By the 1870s, education was compulsory for children between the ages of five and ten. This could be in the form of an organized school—such as the Irvingly Schoolhouse which services working and middle class children in Hogsmeade and Irvingly—or via a governess or tutor for those families that can afford it. While this access was there, many working class families would be ill-disposed to take it—for the lowest among their class, it was simply more beneficial to send their children to work instead of school. This resulted in the appointment of truancy officers, with mixed results.

These community schools focused largely on reading, writing, and arithmetic, with some basics in other areas thrown in for good measure. Religion often—but not always—came into play, with Church-sponsored schools insisting upon a Christian education.

Those under the tutiledge of a governess would learn whatever their parents wished—in addition to the above, this would almost always include French, history, and geography as well as etiquette. Art and music might be added in depending on the child's talents and the family's preferences. A governess would instruct a young boy until he was old enough for a tutor or to attend Hogwarts, and a young girl until she was ready to come out into society.

In many cases, middle class families who could not afford their own governess would band together with like-minded neighbours to employ a tutor for a small group of local children. They would have the same academic scope as those receiving instruction from a governess, but less one-on-one instruction and without the social learning that the live-in post would provide.

At the age of eleven, magical children are invited to attend Hogwarts. While there is a cost associated with this, the fist year is covered for families in need so that almost all children are able to receive a rudimentary magical proficiency. How long a child would remain at Hogwarts—if they attended at all—would depend on the family's financial and social standings, as well as their intended career. The most common years to leave after would be first, fifth (O.W.L.s), and seventh (N.E.W.T.s). Only in extraordinary circumstances would a student leave after their sixth year.

But where to go after Hogwarts?

In lieu of formal schooling, many professions offered on-the-job, experiential learning. Trades of varying types would be a huge participant in this structure, offering apprenticeships and the like. Domestic servants would also start off at the bottom of the ladder, honing their skills in the workplace before moving upwards. Even wealthier individuals might find themselves in such an environment: both the Ministry of Magic and magical hospitals have internship positions for new employees to start out in before working their way up the ladder.

Furthermore, this is the only way that graduates can pursue extended study in the field of interest. Those with a knack for things such as herbology might apprentice under an expert for a number of years to develop a deeper understanding.

Young ladies between 15 and 21 and from well-to-do backgrounds might find themselves at a finishing school such as PSYR, a school opened in Irvingly in 1884 admitting exclusively haldfbloods and purebloods. Such establishments would continue the earlier teachings of a governess, while also moving into the skills she would need to become a society wife.

Currently, the school is located on Minister's Avenue in Hogsmeade's Wellingtonshire neighbourhood and runs from September through mid-July, with a month off for the Christmas holidays.

Located in Pennyworth, the Blishwick School opened in 1887 and runs various day programmes, both for newcomers to the world of domestic service and for those who have spent decades ‘in the game’, as it were. Founded by Mrs. Hortensia Blishwick, a childless widow with a reputation for diligently training each member of her household herself, the school does intakes in May, September, and January. Its programs are intended to develop the skills of career members of service in a setting better suited to their needs than Hogwarts.

Courses are offered Monday to Thursday, allowing pupils Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to hone their newfound skills in the service of their employer. The school itself is accessible via floo, apparition, or the Knight Bus, and lessons begin promptly at eight o’clock each morning, lasting eight hours with half an hour’s break for a provided luncheon. Tuition is generally sponsored by an individual’s (future) employer. However, those wishing to finance their own such education may do so at no expense by making an Unbreakable Vow of indentured servitude to the school to pay off their instruction after completing their programme. Individuals or organizations wishing to take on such workers are to contact Mrs. Blishwick directly.

At present, the following courses are offered:

Individuals must be seventeen to use magic outside of school — at least, that was the case until 1887. As of May 3rd of that year, "...those witches and wizards under the age of majority required to use magic in the workplace may receive special licensing to do so. Such a license should be carried on one’s person at all times, and must be obtained in advance from the Department of Magical Education. This license will be issued on a case-by-case basis; the securing of an occupation alone does not guarantee that such permission will be granted. Inquires to be directed to the aforementioned department."

The license allows carriers to perform magic ‘legally in the service of their occupation, as well in their own private residence’. Generally applied, this will allow licensed underaged witches and wizards to use magic in the workplace, at home, and in public where it can reasonably be assumed to be a part of their job, such as in caring for an employer’s children or providing first aid. In order to be granted a license, applicants must prove a second-year level of magical proficiency and possess an approved Request for Easement, filed by their employer. That employer must prove to the Department of Magical Education that use of magic is crucial to the job at hand, and pay the one-galleon examination fee. Individuals who wish to make themselves more hirable may take the exam and pay the cost out of pocket, and will in exchange be given a Guarantee of Licensing. This does not, however, equate to a license itself.

Guarantees of Licensing will be conferred without examination to:

Requests for Easement will be approved without additional review to: