{"id":53017,"date":"2021-06-16T09:30:17","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T08:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=53017"},"modified":"2025-03-13T16:25:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T16:25:20","slug":"how-to-choose-a-school-the-different-types-of-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/how-to-choose-a-school-the-different-types-of-school\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a School: The Different Types of School"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re an NQT looking for a school that best suits your teaching abilities, or a parent searching for the ideal school for your child, it\u2019s vital you\u2019re aware of the different types of school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many things to consider when choosing a school. In this article, we\u2019ll introduce the main types of school in the UK and overview the factors to consider when finding the right establishment for you. We\u2019ll also summarise the advantages of both state and private schools, leaving you equipped to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the Different Types of School?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With so many different types of primary and secondary schools, the UK education system can seem complicated, so let\u2019s look at the most common types of school.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of school, those paid for by the government and those which are independently funded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are State Schools?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

State schools receive their funding directly from the government or from their local authority. All children between the ages of 5 and 16 can attend a state school free of charge. The main types of state school include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grammar Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nGrammar schools are run by the state, so are free to attend, although pupils are selected on their academic ability. \nRun by an academy trust, foundation body, or a local authority, grammar schools assess a child\u2019s verbal and non-verbal reasoning, as well as their comprehension and mathematical ability during the selection process. Children wishing to attend a grammar school will usually take an exam in their last year of primary school. \n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Community Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nOtherwise known as local authority maintained schools, community schools follow the national curriculum and are not guided by business or religious influences. They aim to be inclusive hubs within the school\u2019s local community. \n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Foundation and Voluntary Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nThese schools are funded by the local authority and are often led by an elected governing body or a charitable trust, who will have a key role in the daily operations of the school.\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Special Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nSpecial schools support learners with a special educational need or disability. Focusing on communication and interaction, sensory and physical needs, cognition and learning, or social, emotional, and mental health, special schools differentiate their curriculum to provide the best possible environment for their learners to flourish.\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Middle Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nOnly available in 15 local authorities, the middle school system adds an additional learning pathway to the two-tiered structure. Available to students in years five to eight, the middle school system forms a bridge between primary and secondary settings.\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Faith Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nFaith schools often have a faith focus or are defined by their religious character. They follow the national curriculum, but leadership teams can create their own approach to religious studies. Staff may have to meet specific recruitment criteria, according to their faith, yet anyone can apply for a place.\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Free Schools\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nFree schools do not have to follow the national curriculum and can dictate their own school terms, as they are funded by the government, and not the local authority. They have the freedom to carve out their own paths, and free schools open places to all, regardless of ability. Free schools can be set up by charities, universities, parents, teachers, or businesses.\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Academies\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nRun by a trust, academies receive funding from the government and do not charge fees. Academies can vary the national curriculum according to the needs of their learners. Schools may apply to join an academy, and must do so if they receive an inadequate rating from Ofsted. \nAcademies can be supported by universities, businesses, faith groups, or voluntary groups. These sponsors work with the academy of schools to improve performance. \n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)\"drop<\/h3>\n
\nThere are many reasons why a child may not be able to access mainstream education, including school refusal, mental health, severe bullying, prolonged sickness, and exclusion. In these circumstances, students may then be able to attend a pupil referral unit.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

What are Private Schools?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Private schools (or independent schools) are not funded by the government, and instead charge fees for attendance. In many independent schools, pupils are not required to follow the national curriculum<\/a>, yet all will undergo inspections by an independent or government-approved inspectorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private schools can be selective or non-selective. If selective, pupils will have to take a timed admission examination, yet students wishing to enrol in a non-selective private school do not have to meet any pre-set criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Identify the Main Types of State and Independent Schools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In summary, state schools are funded by the government or local authority, whereas independent schools charge admission fees. Most state schools are required to cover the national curriculum, but may be free to design certain aspects of it themselves. Pupils attending a state school will not have to complete an admissions examination or interview, with the exception of state grammar schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, most independent schools will require prospective students to complete a strict admissions process, often including an exam and interview. By law, independent schools do not have to follow the national curriculum, although many choose to do so. Independent schools may also offer boarding to students on a termly, weekly, or flexible basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Advantages of State and Private Schools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The advantages of working in or attending a state school are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n