Education began to increase during the 1300s mainly because of the growth of towns, the rise of a merchant class, and the expansion of trade, all of which created new demands for literacy and specialized knowledge. Additionally, the establishment and rapid expansion of medieval universities during the 12th and 13th centuries played a key role. These universities, often supported by the Catholic Church and secular rulers, offered advanced studies and trained clergy and administrators, broadening access to education beyond just the clergy and nobility. The scholarly revival in the 11th and 12th centuries also contributed to a wider cultural awakening that valued education more broadly. Key factors contributing to the increase in education during the 1300s include:
- Growth of towns and commerce requiring literate individuals for trades, administration, and legal matters.
- The rise of a merchant middle class with financial means and interest in education.
- Expansion of medieval universities across Europe, which offered diverse curricula including theology, law, medicine, arts, and sciences. These institutions trained clergy and educated a new class of bureaucrats and professionals.
- The Catholic Church's role in financing and organizing education to maintain orthodoxy and train clergy.
- Social advancement increasingly linked to university education, where educated individuals could gain influence in church and government positions.
This combined economic, social, and institutional development created the conditions for education to grow significantly during this period.