UK Information - Types of School

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Types of School

There are three categories of state maintained schools; Community, Foundation and Voluntary (Controlled and Aided). Schools in all three categories receive funding from LEAs and have to deliver the National Curriculum. However, each category has its own characteristics:

Community Schools
The Local Education Authority (LEA) employs the school’s staff, owns the school’s land and buildings and has the primary responsibility for deciding admission arrangements.

Foundation Schools
The governing body employs staff and is responsible for the admission arrangements. Land and buildings are owned either by the governing body or by a charitable foundation. The Foundation appoints the majority of governors.

Voluntary Aided Schools
Many of these are church schools. The Governing Body employs the staff and decides admission arrangements. Land and buildings are normally owned by a charitable foundation. The Governing Body contributes towards the capital costs of running the school. Most aided schools are linked to either the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church, but there are some schools linked to other faith or non-denominational groups.

Voluntary Controlled Schools
These are almost always church schools. Land and buildings are often owned by a charitable foundation and the LEA employs the school’s staff and has primary responsibility for admission arrangements.

Any state maintained secondary school in England can apply to be designated as a specialist school in one of four subject areas: Technology, Languages, Sports and Arts. The Government has proposed adding three new specialisms: Science, Engineering and Business & Enterprise. The schools meet full National Curriculum requirements but have a special focus on the chosen specialisms. They have a key role in revitalising education, especially in disadvantaged areas.

Grammar Schools
Grammar schools select their pupils by "11-plus" examinations based on academic ability.

Independent Schools
An independent school is usually funded by fee-paying students and is not maintained by the local authority or central government.