1.1 Identify the main types of state and independent schools
1.2 Describe the characteristics of different types of schools in relation to educational stage(s) and school governance
List the main types of state and independent schools
Describe the characteristics of the different types of schools in relation to educational stage(s) and school governance
FAITH SCHOOLS
Faith schools are practically like any other school in the country, however, they correlate to a particular religion. This means that, although they function like any other type of school and follow the national curriculum, they can choose to only study their specific religion, rather than a range of them like what is done in public schools. Anyone is able to apply for a place in a faith school, but their admissions criteria may be slightly different to that of a public school. Staffing policies may also vary. For example; a child may get a priority place if they have a sibling at the school or if they live close to the school. For a faith school, children may be picked based on the fact that they follow the same religion.
FREE SCHOOLS
Free schools are run on a ‘not-for profit’ basis. Although the school itself will be funded by the government, it is not run by the local council. Groups that are able to set up these kinds of schools include charities, teachers, parents and community groups. The type of school itself is labelled as an ‘all-ability’ school, meaning that children cannot be penalised and rejected a place on their academic status, like a grammar school could. They also have more flexible rulings, meaning that they are able to create their own finance situation for the members of staff, and they can change the time of the beginning and end of a school day. They also are not obligated to follow the national curriculum.
ACADEMIES
Academies gain their money directly through the government and are run by an academy trust which then employs the staff. They are publicly funded, and follow the same admission, special educational needs and exclusions rules as any other standard state school. However, they are not expected to follow the national curriculum, and are liable to set their own term dates. In some cases, an academy may be sponsored by someone, such as another school, and their job would be to continuously improve the performance of the academy.
