The origins of public examining in English-speaking countries lie in contemporary progressive and liberal attitudes. More than a century ago when university examinations were reformed and entry to government service was made subject to competitive examination rather than by patronage, a contribution seemed to have been made to social justice. When the School Certificate replaced a plethora of specialised examinations about half a century ago it was anticipated that the burden on pupils would be lessened and schools freed to introduce more flexible and locally relevant curricula.