"This is a book which is committed, from the outset, to the reconstruction and analysis of numerous aspects of the rise of examinations. It involves some excellent detailed recovery of individual cases from a range of archives, and the author is to be congratulated on his nose for a good source."- Roy Lowe (British Journal of Educational Studies) "Making a Grade makes an important contribution to the world of science and educational assessment research. Elwick’s thorough review of Victorian examinations helps to historicize key stakeholders’ perspectives in the science of measurement (i.e., standardized testing) in recent educational history."- Peiyu Wang and Liying Cheng, Queen’s University (Historical Studies in Education/Revue d’histoire de l’éducation) "Elwick’s systemic approach allows him to accommodate both the incredible pluralism of Victorian education and the growing homogeneity of its exam culture." - Peter Mandler, University of Cambridge (Victorian Studies)