To begin his preface to the translation of the Pastoral Care, Alfred the Great claimed the English were once known for the obedience to God and the Church of its kings, the enthusiasm for learning of its clergy, and the fact that England was a destination for scholars. The decline from this once lofty reputation, including the fact that he had to import his scholars from abroad, he says was the beginning of his motivation to promote learning amongst his subjects once more.

What evidence to we have to corroborate that claimed reputation for educational prowess, both internal and international, and does anyone else note its decline and need for revival?

P.S. One problem I can foresee with my question is the vagueness of what is meant by 'teaching and learning', and 'wisdom and instruction' in the translation of the preface I've found here. I can't read Anglo-Saxon, regrettably, so I don't know if there were structures, systems, or ideas that Alfred was particularly concerned with (other than having a clear ecclesial focus, at least in part).