Types of Schools

for education in sociology

Define State schools

Schools funded by the government

Community schools or maintained schools

They are funded by the local authority and not influenced by business or religious groups and follow the national curriculum.

Foundation and voluntary schools

Are funded by the local authority but have more freedom to change the way they do things - sometimes they are supported by representatives from religious groups.

City Technology Colleges

Are all-ability secondary schools based in urban centres and geared towards science, maths, technology and preparing students for the world of work. 15 City Technology Colleges were created, of which all but three have converted to academies.

Grammar schools

They are state secondary schools that are free to attend but select their pupils by means of an examination taken by children at age 11, known as the "11-plus".

Academy schools

They are state-funded schools in England which are directly funded by the Department for Education but independent of local authority control. Academies are self-governing non-profit charitable trusts. They do not have to follow the National Curriculum but do have to ensure that their curriculum is broad and balanced, and that it includes the core subjects of mathematics and English.

Free schools

Are funded by the government but are not run by the local authority. They have more control over how they do things. They’re ‘all-ability’ schools, so can not use academic selection processes. Free schools are run on a not-for-profit basis and can be set up by groups like, charities, universities, independent schools, community and faith groups, teachers, parents, businesses.

Faith schools

Faith schools have to follow the national curriculum, but they can choose what they teach in religious studies.

Single Sex Schools

Are schools which select based on gender. They are 100% Male or Female in the student body, although many become co-Ed at 6thform level.

A state boarding school

A school where you pay for boarding and the education is free.

Define private schools

Fee paying schools

Private / Independent Schools

Schools where students pay fees in order to attend, they can be day schools or boarding schools but they are independent of the regulations and conditions which apply to state funded schools.

Public Schools

Schools which are long established and are fee paying but also require an entrance exam in order to attend. e.g. Eton and Cheltenham Ladies College

International Schools

Schools which cater to the international community and follow an international curriculum e.g. the Internal Baccalaureate, International Primary Curriculum and iGCSE’s

Define alternative provison

School for those who are unable to attend mainstream education

Pupil Referral Units

PRUs are a type of school that caters for children who can’t attend a mainstream school. Pupils are often referred there if they need greater care and support than their school can provide. Children who attend a PRU might be:

* Permanently excluded for behaviour reasons
* Experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties
* Experiencing severe bullying
* Pregnant or young mothers

Special Education Schools

A school catering for students who have special educational needs due to learning difficulties, physical disabilities or behavioural problems. Special schools may be specifically designed, staffed and resourced to provide appropriate special education for children with additional needs.

Home Schooling

Home schooling means learning outside of the public or private school environment.