Unit 10 - Level 2 Teaching Assisstant

Unit 10
Learning Outcome 1 – Know the different types of Schools in the education sector.
1.1/1.2 Identify the different types of state and independent schools and describe their characteristics and list the types of schools and who controls them/funds them.
Children education in England is normally divided into separate stages. They begin with primary education at the age of five and this usually last until they are eleven. Then they move into secondary school, they then stay until they reach sixteen, seventeen or eighteen years of age. The main categories of schools are; * State (mainstream school) * Grammar school * Academies * Independent schools * Free schools * Special schools * Voluntary (faith) schools * Public schools
State (mainstream schools) – Most state schools have to follow the national curriculum. All children in England and Wales between the ages of five and sixteen are entitled to a free position at a state school. In England and Wales, 90% of children are educated in a state school; they are all funded by local authorities, follow the national curriculum and are regularly inspected by the Office for Standards in Education Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED). Schools across England are funded and managed in different ways and will vary depending on the age of the children.
Nursery – Schools for children with an age of 3 and 4. They have their own head teacher and staff. Some are funded by local authorities and others are privately funded.
Primary schools – Primary schools cater for children with the age between 4 and 11. While at primary school, children start with an early years foundation curriculum, followed by Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 of the national curriculum.
Secondary school – These schools cater for children with an age between 11 and 16 or even 18. They take pupils through Key Stage 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum.
Sixth form colleges – They cater for pupils aged between 16 and 19, here students study for A Levels and other qualifications they can do after the age of 16.
Grammar schools – Run by the council, a foundation body or a trust – they select all or most of their pupils based on academic ability and there are often exams in order to achieve a place.
Independent schools (Private Schools) – An independent school is a school that is independent from both national and local government in finances, governance and operations. They are regulated lightly by the government and are inspected by a range of bodies. These schools are set up by foundations, new companies and charities running schools. They are funded by school fees, gifts and endowments and governed by an independently selected board of governors. Similarly to Grammar schools, they also select their pupils based on academic ability.