Autonomous learning, which implies the development of attitudes of responsibility and self-awareness related to thought processes on the part of the learner, is examined in the context of the organization and structure of the English public school system. Part 1 discusses autonomous learning and the way in which it may be developed in children from age 8 to 16. In Part 2, a description of the English public school system outlines the characteristics of the secondary schools and the age group clusters they serve. An explanation of the system of examinations and certificates used to measure students' progress is included. Part 3 presents a discussion on the learning environments at each stage of a child's schooling, with emphasis on the acquistition and development of autonomous learning behavior in children from 8 to 16 years. In Part 4, examples are presented of autonomous learning in selected English middle and secondary schools. Examples focus on the subjects of French, science, English, drama, technology, and design. Conclusions on the value of autonomous learning are offered in the final section. A bibliography is included, and samples of class activities which encourage autonomous learning are appended. (JD)