Different types of primary school
The process of applying to primary schools is a daunting task. Here's what you need to know...
State schools fall into four main categories:
Community schools:
Owned by a local authority which employs staff, decides on admissions criteria and has strong links with the community, offering use of facilities and childcare.
Foundation and Trust schools:
Run by a governing body, which employs staff and sets admissions criteria. The school land and buildings will be owned by the governing body or a charitable foundation.
Voluntary aided:
Usually faith or religious schools, although anyone can apply for a place. The governing body employs staff and sets admission criteria.
Voluntary-controlled:
Similar to voluntary aided, but run by the local authority, which employs staff ad sets admissions criteria.
Within these are a number of schools with special characteristics:
Community and foundation special schools:
Special schools for children with specific education needs, such as physical disabilities or earning difficulties.
Faith schools:
Mostly run in the same way as other state schools, but the religious education curriculum, admissions criteria and staffing policies may vary.
Maintained boarding schools:
Maintained boarding schools offer free tuition, but charge fees for board and lodging.
Academies:
Independently managed, all-ability schools that are set up by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups with freedom from following the National Curriculum and freedom from local authority control.
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Free schools:
Groups such as charities, universities and parents can set up all-ability, statefunded schools, free from local authority control. The first is expected to open in September 20100
Find out more at http://newschoolsnetwork.org/get-involved/register
Independent schools are funded by fees from parents
They may include:
Pre-prep schools:
For children aged 3-7
Steiner schools:
Provide an unhurried and creative learning environment focused on children having fun learning. Find out more at: http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk/
Montessori Schools:
Encourage independence and self-motivated learning from an early age. Find out more at http://www.montessori.org.uk/
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