Understanding School Types and Educational Stages

Question 2.
Explain the characteristics of different types of schools in relation to educational stages and governance
• Early years foundation stage.
This is for children age 0-5 years and usually covers nurseries and reception class of primary school.
• Key stage 1.
This is for children age 5-7 and usually covers primary infant year 1 and 2.
• Key stage 2.
This is for children age 7-11 usually primary junior years 3-6.
• Key stage 3.
This is for children aged 11-16 years and usually covers the entire secondary education school years 7-11.
• The main types of schools are:
• Mainstream school.
All children in England between 4 and 16 are entitled to a free place in state school.
The four main types of state school all receive funding

from local authorities. They follow the national curriculum and are regularly inspected by Ofsted.
• Community school
A community school is run by the local authority, which owns the land and building and decides which admission criteria to use. Community schools look to develop strong links with the local community, sometimes offering use of their facilities and providing services like childcare and adult learning classes.
• Foundation and trust schools.
Foundation schools are run by their own governing body, which employs the staff and set the admission 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 charitable trust with an outside partner 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.
• Voluntary aided schools.
These schools are mainly religious schools, although anyone can apply for a place.
They are similar to foundation schools, but they are funded partly by governing body, partly by charity and partly by the LEA which also provides the support services.
• Specialist schools.
Though they follow the national curriculum, specialist schools focus on a particular subject area, for example sports, languages or SEN.
• ACADEMIES.
Academies are independently managed, all-ability schools. They are set up by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups in a partnership with DFE and LEA. Together they fund the land and buildings, with the government covering the running costs.
• Faith schools.
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, admission criteria and staffing policies.
• Grammar schools.
Grammar school select all or most of their pupils based on their academic ability.
• Maintained boarding school.
Maintained boarding schools offer free tuition, but charge fees for both board and lodging.
• Independent schools.
There are around 2,500 independent schools in England. These schools set their own curriculum and admissions policies. They are funded by fees payed by parents and income from investments. Just over half have charitable status.
Question: Question 3
Answer: Question 3. Post 16 options.
• The post 16 options for young people and adults are:
• 6th form- Non-compulsory education for 16-18 year olds. Usually A level attached to secondary school.
• Further Education College. Usually post 16 and includes A level and A level equivalent qualifications
• Apprenticeship- usually attached to local college with work experience.
• High education college-usually post 18 and includes university level qualifications.
• Entry to employment.
• Employment with training.