On the Mumsnet Academy page.

Yes. Just read this:

"In 1939 the government considered raising the leaving age to 15 [from 14], but this was delayed due to the onset of World War Two. The Education Act 1944 did succeed in extending compulsory education to 15 and this took effect from 1947"

I expect they left school at, what, 14 in those days.

I wonder why the photographer suddenly decided to take a picture of them.

Yes. They do look young.

Ah! It's from the front cover of a book. looks like mill girls could be right

Yes they do look as if they've just finished work. But don't most of them look so young to have done that!

Looks as if they were turning out of the mill, or there again they look a bit happy to have done a long shift.

They look such a happy bunch of girls!