London Association for the Teaching of English (LATE)

The London Association for the Teaching of English was formed in March 1947 by a number of teachers of English and others interested in the subject.The purpose was to provide a society in the London area for all interested in the teaching of English. Its objective was to provide a live forum for the exchange of ideas, for the practical study of problems connected with English teaching and for the dissemination of the results of group and individual work. Teachers from all types of schools and training colleges were invited. The inaugural meeting was held on June 3rd 1947 at the London Institute of Education. In September 1963 the National Association for the Teaching of English was formed and LATE became a corporate member. By the 1960s membership included teachers of English of all levels, in primary and secondary schools, day and training colleges and universities.

In 196[3] the Association's aims were:
(i) To undertake education research by means of group investigations, or by any other method, according to the nature of the problem
(ii) To campaign in educational field for such reforms as are considered necessary in the interests of education in and through English
(iii) To provide an opportunity for the communication of experiences and conclusions drawn from them
(iv)To give members an opportunity of hearing authoritative speakers on topics of importance and interest to teachers of English
(v)To furnish all members with full reports of meetings, conferences and study groups
(vi)To publish such results of our work as merit wider dissemination
(vii)To participate in the work of the National Association

LATE's work involved the creation of study and discussion groups which met and reported to the Association, and created books for schools; holding of two weekend conferences and several day conferences a year which often formed the starting point for a group study; holding of evening meetings twice a term with either speakers from the Association or an address by a 'distinguished speaker'. They were particuarly interested in composition, comprehension and poetry, and campaigned in the area of examinations. Reports of conferences were published and sold.

At writing (May 2010) LATE was still active. Their website is http://www.late.org.uk