Structure

There are many different types of state schools in England and Wales as well as independent schools. This is a brief overview of the differences. For more information click here 

There are four main types of state school. All of them receive funding from local authorities, follow the National Curriculum and are regularly inspected by Ofsted.

A community school is run by the local authority, which:

• employs the staff
• owns the land and buildings
• decides which ‘admissions criteria’ to use (these are used to allocate places if the school has more applicants than places)

Community schools look to develop strong links with the local community, sometimes offering use of their facilities and providing services such as childcare and adult learning classes.

Foundation schools are run by their own governing body, which employs the staff and sets the admissions criteria. Land and buildings are usually owned by the governing body or a charitable foundation.

A Trust school is a type of foundation school which forms a charitable trust with an outside partner - for example, a business or educational charity - aiming to raise standards and explore new ways of working.

The decision to become a Trust school is taken by the governing body, with parents having a say. Trust schools started to be introduced in summer 2007.

Voluntary-aided schools are mainly religious or 'faith' schools, although anyone can apply for a place. As with foundation schools, the governing body:

• employs the staff
• sets the admissions criteria

School buildings and land are normally owned by a charitable foundation, often a religious organisation. The governing body contributes to building and maintenance costs.

Voluntary-controlled schools are similar to voluntary aided schools, but are run by the local authority. As with community schools, the local authority:

• employs the school's staff
• sets the admissions criteria

School land and buildings are normally owned by a charity, often a religious organisation, which also appoints some of the members of the governing body.

Though they follow the National Curriculum, specialist schools focus on a particular subject area. Examples include sports, technology or visual arts.

Within the state schools system described above, there are a number of schools with particular characteristics. As with other state schools, admissions are coordinated by the local authority. However, some may have different admission criteria or funding arrangements.

Academies are independently managed, all-ability schools set up by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups in partnership with the Department for Education and Skills and the local authority. Together they fund the land and buildings, with the government covering the running costs.

These are independently managed, non-fee-paying schools in urban areas for pupils of all abilities aged 11 to 18. They are geared towards science, technology and the world of work, offering a range of vocational qualifications as well as GCSEs and A levels.

Special schools cater for children with specific special educational needs. These may include physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

Faith schools are mostly run in the same way as other state schools. However, their faith status may be reflected in their religious education curriculum, admissions criteria and staffing policies.

Grammar schools select all or most of their pupils based on academic ability.

Maintained boarding schools offer free tuition, but charge fees for board and lodging.

These schools set their own curriculum and admissions policies. They are funded by fees paid by parents and income from investments. GE does not provide volunteers to independent schools.