Unit 302 Schools as Organisations
Unit 302
1.2
Mainstream state schools
All children in England between the ages of five and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school. Most go to state schools.
Children normally start primary school at the age of four or five, but many schools now have a reception year for four year olds. Children normally leave at the age of 11, moving on to secondary school. Most state schools admit both boys and girls, though some are single-sex.
The four main types of state school all receive funding from local authorities. They all follow the National Curriculum and are regularly inspected by Ofsted.
Community schools
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. They can do this in a number of ways, including providing use of their facilities, or 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 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.
Voluntary-aided schools
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
1.2
Mainstream state schools
All children in England between the ages of five and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school. Most go to state schools.
Children normally start primary school at the age of four or five, but many schools now have a reception year for four year olds. Children normally leave at the age of 11, moving on to secondary school. Most state schools admit both boys and girls, though some are single-sex.
The four main types of state school all receive funding from local authorities. They all follow the National Curriculum and are regularly inspected by Ofsted.
Community schools
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. They can do this in a number of ways, including providing use of their facilities, or 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 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.
Voluntary-aided schools
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