It depends on the family - no compulsory education until 1872 but there were schools eg National School in Athol Street which gave acceptable education (both boys and girls) - the R Catholic school attached to St Mary's was judged excellent.
Out in 'sticks' there were several good schools - all depended on master (or mistress as there were dame schools) - some families could afford the 1d or so a week as well as loss of the child's work - others eg elderly/infirm parent might not even then absence during peak farming season was commonplace