What is the difference between an academy and a state school?

Academies ARE state schools — they’re free to attend and funded by government. The difference is governance: academies are run by a trust rather than the local authority. They receive funding directly from government, can set their own curriculum and term dates, and their staff are employed by the trust. Community schools are run by the LA, which employs staff and controls admissions. Both are free. As of 2025, 83% of English secondaries are academies.

What is a multi-academy trust (MAT)?

A MAT is a group of academies run by a single trust. The trust’s board of trustees is responsible for all schools in the group. MATs range from 2–3 schools to large chains running 50+. They share resources, staff, and leadership. There are over 1,300 MATs in England. The government’s direction of travel is for all schools to be in MATs, though the 2022 Schools Bill (which would have mandated this) was abandoned.

What is a voluntary aided school?

A voluntary aided (VA) school is a state-funded school with a religious character, usually Church of England or Catholic. The church foundation owns the buildings and contributes ~10% of capital costs. The governing body (with a majority appointed by the foundation) controls admissions and can include faith criteria — such as requiring a baptism certificate or evidence of church attendance. Staff are employed by the governing body.

Can faith schools refuse non-religious children?

It depends on the type. VA schools and faith academies CAN use faith-based oversubscription criteria — but only when oversubscribed. If they have spare places, they must admit all applicants. VC schools cannot use faith criteria at all. In practice, popular VA schools in urban areas routinely fill via faith criteria. The Admissions Code limits faith-based admission in new free schools to 50% of places.

Why doesn’t Scotland have academies or grammar schools?

Scotland has a separate education system that pre-dates the UK. It never adopted the English-style grammar/secondary modern split (Scotland went comprehensive in the 1960s–70s without the political battles England experienced). The academy model was an English policy initiative under Tony Blair and later Michael Gove — Scottish education policy is set by the Scottish Parliament, which chose not to follow. Schools are run by 32 local councils.

What are integrated schools in Northern Ireland?

Integrated schools deliberately educate Catholic and Protestant children together. They must enrol a minimum of 30% from each community. The first, Lagan College in Belfast, opened in 1981. Despite around 70% of the NI public supporting integration, only ~8% of pupils attend integrated schools. The rest of the system remains largely divided between controlled (historically Protestant) and Catholic maintained schools.

What is the difference between an independent school and a public school?

Confusingly, “public school” in the UK means a prestigious independent school (like Eton, Harrow, Winchester). The term dates from the 1860s Clarendon Commission, which investigated schools that were “public” in the sense of being open to anyone who could pay, rather than restricted to a parish or foundation. Today the terms “independent” and “private” are used interchangeably. All charge fees.

Do all schools have to follow the National Curriculum?

No. In England, only community, VC, and foundation schools must follow it. Academies and free schools can set their own curriculum (though most follow it in practice). Independent schools set their own entirely. In Wales, all maintained schools follow the Curriculum for Wales. In Scotland, all schools follow the Curriculum for Excellence. In NI, all grant-aided schools follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

What is a special school and how does my child get a place?

Special schools are for children whose SEND needs cannot be met in mainstream school. To get a place, your child needs a statutory plan — an EHCP in England, IDP in Wales, CSP in Scotland, or Statement in NI. The plan names the school. You can request a specific school, and the LA must comply unless it would be unsuitable for the child, incompatible with other pupils, or an inefficient use of resources.

Are there any new grammar schools being built?

No. The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 prohibits the creation of new grammar schools in England. The 163 existing grammars and 69 in NI are frozen in place. The only way to remove a grammar school is through a parental ballot — only one has ever been held (Ripon Grammar School in 2000; parents voted 2:1 to keep selection). Existing grammars can expand, and some have opened “annexes” in other towns.

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Definitive Guide

Every Type of School in the UK, Explained

Community, academy, free school, voluntary aided, voluntary controlled, foundation, grammar, UTC, faith, Welsh-medium, Gaelic-medium, integrated, maintained, controlled, independent, special, PRU — the UK has over 20 types of school. This guide explains each one in plain English.

~20 min readLast updated April 2026All four UK nations

Key facts

The UK has 20+ distinct school types across four nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each run separate systems.
83% of English secondary schools are now academies, funded directly by government and run by trusts rather than local authorities.
Around 35% of English primary schools are faith schools (Church of England, Catholic, or other religions).
Only 7% of English pupils attend independent (fee-paying) schools, yet they account for a disproportionate share of Oxbridge admissions.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have no academies or free schools — those are England-only structures.

20+

Distinct school types

83%

of English secondaries are academies

35%

of English primaries are faith schools

of English pupils in independent schools

Four Nations at a Glance

The number and type of schools varies dramatically between nations. England is by far the most complex.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England

15+ school typesMost complex system in the UK

83% of secondaries are academies. Grammar schools in some areas. Faith schools are ~35% of primaries.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales

4 main typesSimplest system

No academies, no free schools, no grammar schools. ~23% of primary pupils in Welsh-medium education.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland

3 main typesSimple, council-run

No academies, no grammar schools. Catchment-based. ~370 denominational (Catholic) schools guaranteed by law.

🇬🇧 N. Ireland

5 main typesDivided by religion and selection

69 grammar schools select by Transfer Test. Controlled (Protestant), maintained (Catholic), and integrated sectors.

The Differences That Actually Matter

With 20+ types, what should parents actually care about? These are the practical differences.

Who controls admissions?

The LA (community, VC), the governing body (VA, foundation), or the trust (academies). This determines oversubscription criteria — including whether faith can be used.

Can the school select by ability?

Only grammar schools (163 in England, 69 in NI). No other state school can select by ability. Some specialist schools can use aptitude for up to 10% of places.

Must the school follow the National Curriculum?

Community, VC, and foundation schools must. Academies and free schools can deviate (but most don’t in practice). Independent schools set their own entirely.

Who inspects the school?

Ofsted (most English schools), ISI (ISC independent schools), Estyn (Wales), Education Scotland, ETI (NI). VA/faith schools also get diocesan inspections for RE.

Can the school prioritise faith in admissions?

VA schools and faith academies can. VC schools cannot. New free schools are limited to 50% faith-based admissions. Scotland’s denominational schools may request a baptismal certificate.

Is it free?

All state schools are free. Independent schools charge fees (average ~£16k/year day, ~£38k boarding). 20% VAT applies from January 2025. Bursaries exist at many schools.

State-Funded School Types

All of these schools are free to attend. The differences are in who runs them, who controls admissions, and what curriculum they must follow.

Community School

England~4,800

The "traditional" state school. The LA employs staff, owns the land, and controls admissions. Declining in number as academisation continues.

Funded by: Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority (LA)

Admissions: LA sets and administers admissions

Curriculum: Must follow the National Curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Academy (Converter)

England~10,500

Schools that chose to convert to academy status, usually after being rated Good or Outstanding. Funded directly by government, bypassing the LA. 83% of English secondaries are now academies.

Funded by: Government via ESFA (directly funded)

Run by: Academy trust (single or multi-academy trust)

Admissions: Trust sets admissions (within the Admissions Code)

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum (most follow National Curriculum in practice)

Inspection: Ofsted

Academy (Sponsored)

England~2,000

Underperforming schools that were required to become academies and were paired with a sponsor. Often rebranded with new name, uniform, and leadership.

Funded by: Government via ESFA

Run by: Sponsor (business, charity, or MAT)

Admissions: Trust sets admissions

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Free School

England~700

Brand-new schools established under the Academies Act 2010. Created to meet demand or offer a distinctive approach. Technically a type of academy.

Funded by: Government via ESFA

Run by: Academy trust (established by parents, teachers, charities, or businesses)

Admissions: Trust sets admissions

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Voluntary Aided (VA)

England~3,700

Mostly Church of England or Catholic. The foundation owns the buildings and controls admissions and RE. Can prioritise children of the faith in oversubscription criteria.

Funded by: Government + foundation (usually a church) contributes ~10% of capital costs

Run by: Governing body (foundation appoints majority of governors)

Admissions: Governing body sets admissions (may include faith criteria)

Curriculum: National Curriculum + own RE syllabus

Inspection: Ofsted (education) + diocesan inspection (RE/ethos)

Voluntary Controlled (VC)

England~2,100

Church schools that handed control to the LA in the 1944 settlement. Retain a religious character but cannot select on faith. Staff employed by the LA.

Funded by: Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority (foundation appoints minority of governors)

Admissions: LA sets admissions (no faith criteria)

Curriculum: National Curriculum + LA-agreed RE syllabus

Inspection: Ofsted

Foundation School

England~800

Similar to community schools but the governing body (not the LA) employs staff and sets admissions. The land is owned by the governing body or a foundation.

Funded by: Government via local authority

Run by: Governing body (may have a foundation)

Admissions: Governing body sets admissions

Curriculum: National Curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Grammar School

England / NI163 (England) + 69 (NI)

Academically selective schools. No new grammars can be created in England (since 1998). NI retained its entire grammar system. Around 42% of NI secondary pupils attend a grammar school.

Funded by: Government

Run by: Varies (community, foundation, academy, or VA)

Admissions: Academic selection via 11+ / Transfer Test

Curriculum: National Curriculum (England) / NI Curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted (England) / ETI (NI)

University Technical College (UTC)

England~45

Specialist technical schools for ages 14–18, co-designed with employers and universities. Students enter at 14 or 16, not 11. Some have struggled with recruitment.

Funded by: Government via ESFA

Run by: Academy trust (sponsored by a university and employer partners)

Admissions: Open to ages 14–18 (entry at Y10 and Y12)

Curriculum: Technical and vocational focus alongside core GCSEs/A-levels

Inspection: Ofsted

LA-Maintained School

Wales~1,460

The vast majority of Welsh schools. Wales has no academies, free schools, or grammar schools. The system is simpler than England’s.

Funded by: Welsh Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority

Admissions: LA sets admissions

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales (2022)

Inspection: Estyn

Welsh-Medium School

Wales~470

All subjects taught through Welsh. Around 23% of primary pupils and 17% of secondary pupils are in Welsh-medium education. Demand is growing.

Funded by: Welsh Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority

Admissions: LA sets admissions (Welsh-medium preference)

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales, taught through the Welsh language

Inspection: Estyn

VA / VC Faith School

Wales~250

Mostly Church in Wales (Anglican) or Catholic. Same VA/VC distinction as in England.

Funded by: Welsh Government + church contribution (VA)

Run by: Governing body (VA) or LA (VC)

Admissions: VA: governors set admissions (may include faith). VC: LA sets admissions.

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales + own RE (VA)

Inspection: Estyn + diocesan inspection

Council School (Non-denominational)

Scotland~2,300

The default school type in Scotland. No academies, no free schools, no grammar schools. The system is council-run and catchment-based.

Funded by: Scottish Government via local council

Run by: Local council

Admissions: Catchment-based placing requests

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence

Inspection: Education Scotland

Denominational School

Scotland~370

Almost all are Catholic. Guaranteed by the Education (Scotland) Act 1918 which brought Catholic schools into the state system while preserving their religious character.

Funded by: Scottish Government via local council

Run by: Local council (church appoints chaplains and RE teachers)

Admissions: Catchment-based (baptismal certificate may be requested)

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence + Catholic RE

Inspection: Education Scotland

Gaelic-Medium School

Scotland~60 units/schools

All subjects taught through Gaelic. Concentrated in the Highlands and Islands but growing in cities. Around 3,000 pupils in Gaelic-medium education.

Funded by: Scottish Government via local council

Run by: Local council

Admissions: Catchment-based

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence, taught through Scottish Gaelic

Inspection: Education Scotland

Controlled School

Northern Ireland~500

Historically Protestant in character (managed by Transferors’ Representatives from Protestant churches), though officially open to all. The “default” school type in NI.

Funded by: NI Government via Education Authority

Run by: Education Authority (managed by Board of Governors)

Admissions: Open to all (non-selective) or Transfer Test (grammar)

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum

Inspection: ETI

Catholic Maintained School

Northern Ireland~470

Managed through the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). Largest Catholic school system in the UK. Enrolment is open to all faiths but the school community is predominantly Catholic.

Funded by: NI Government (100% current costs, ~90% capital via CCMS)

Run by: Board of Governors (appointed by CCMS and trustees)

Admissions: Open to all but predominantly Catholic pupils

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum + Catholic RE

Inspection: ETI

Integrated School

Northern Ireland~70

Deliberately educate Catholic and Protestant children together. The first, Lagan College, opened in 1981. Despite public support (~70% favour integration), only ~8% of NI pupils attend integrated schools.

Funded by: NI Government via Education Authority

Run by: Board of Governors

Admissions: Must enrol a minimum of 30% from each community (Catholic and Protestant)

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum

Inspection: ETI

Irish-Medium School

Northern Ireland~30

All subjects taught through the Irish language. Growing sector, particularly in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. Cross-community appeal.

Funded by: NI Government

Run by: Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta

Admissions: Open to all

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum, taught through Irish

Inspection: ETI

Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / AP

England / Wales~350 (England)

Alternative provision for children who cannot attend mainstream school — due to exclusion, illness, or other reasons. Scotland uses similar “Flexible Learning” arrangements. Quality varies significantly.

Funded by: Government via LA or academy trust

Run by: LA, academy trust, or independent provider

Admissions: Referred by schools, LAs, or Fair Access Panels

Curriculum: Tailored curriculum (must include English, maths, science, ICT, PSHE)

Inspection: Ofsted / Estyn

Independent (Private) Schools

Fee-paying schools that operate outside the state system. They set their own curriculum, admissions, and term dates.

Independent (Private) School

All UK~2,600 (England) + ~250 (rest of UK)

Fee-paying schools. ~7% of English pupils, but ~40% of Oxbridge entrants. 20% VAT applies from January 2025. Scholarships and bursaries available at many schools.

Funded by: Fees (average ~£16,000/year day, ~£38,000 boarding) + endowments

Run by: Board of governors or proprietor

Admissions: School sets own admissions (entrance exams, interviews)

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum (many follow National Curriculum loosely, some offer IB)

Inspection: ISI (England, ISC members), Ofsted (non-ISC), Estyn (Wales), Care Inspectorate + Education Scotland (Scotland), ETI (NI)

20% VAT on independent school fees

From January 2025, independent school fees are subject to 20% VAT. This is expected to raise £1.5bn/year for state education. An estimated 37,000 pupils (~6%) may leave the private sector. Many schools are absorbing part of the increase. Bursaries and scholarships remain VAT-exempt.

Special Schools & Alternative Provision

Schools for children with special educational needs or those who cannot attend mainstream school.

Special School

All UK~1,900 (all UK)

For children whose SEND needs cannot be met in mainstream. State special schools require a statutory plan (EHCP etc.) to gain a place. Independent special schools are sometimes named in EHCPs when no suitable state provision exists.

Funded by: Government (state) or fees (independent)

Run by: LA, academy trust, or independent provider

Admissions: Via EHCP/IDP/CSP/Statement naming the school

Inspection: Ofsted / Estyn / Education Scotland / ETI

Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / AP

England / Wales~350 (England)

Funded by: Government via LA or academy trust

Run by: LA, academy trust, or independent provider

Admissions: Referred by schools, LAs, or Fair Access Panels

Inspection: Ofsted / Estyn

Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on the Department for Education school census, the School Admissions Code (England), Welsh Government education statistics, Scottish Government school statistics, the Northern Ireland Department of Education, the Independent Schools Council census 2025, and relevant legislation including the Education Act 1996, School Standards and Framework Act 1998, and Academies Act 2010. This guide is for general information only. Admissions policies, inspection frameworks, and school structures change regularly — always verify current details with the relevant school, local authority, or official body. Last reviewed April 2026.

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Definitive Guide

Every Type of School in the UK, Explained

~20 min readLast updated April 2026All four UK nations

Key facts

The UK has 20+ distinct school types across four nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each run separate systems.
83% of English secondary schools are now academies, funded directly by government and run by trusts rather than local authorities.
Around 35% of English primary schools are faith schools (Church of England, Catholic, or other religions).
Only 7% of English pupils attend independent (fee-paying) schools, yet they account for a disproportionate share of Oxbridge admissions.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have no academies or free schools — those are England-only structures.

20+

Distinct school types

83%

of English secondaries are academies

35%

of English primaries are faith schools

of English pupils in independent schools

Four Nations at a Glance

The number and type of schools varies dramatically between nations. England is by far the most complex.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England

15+ school typesMost complex system in the UK

83% of secondaries are academies. Grammar schools in some areas. Faith schools are ~35% of primaries.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales

4 main typesSimplest system

No academies, no free schools, no grammar schools. ~23% of primary pupils in Welsh-medium education.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland

3 main typesSimple, council-run

No academies, no grammar schools. Catchment-based. ~370 denominational (Catholic) schools guaranteed by law.

🇬🇧 N. Ireland

5 main typesDivided by religion and selection

69 grammar schools select by Transfer Test. Controlled (Protestant), maintained (Catholic), and integrated sectors.

The Differences That Actually Matter

With 20+ types, what should parents actually care about? These are the practical differences.

Who controls admissions?

The LA (community, VC), the governing body (VA, foundation), or the trust (academies). This determines oversubscription criteria — including whether faith can be used.

Can the school select by ability?

Only grammar schools (163 in England, 69 in NI). No other state school can select by ability. Some specialist schools can use aptitude for up to 10% of places.

Must the school follow the National Curriculum?

Community, VC, and foundation schools must. Academies and free schools can deviate (but most don’t in practice). Independent schools set their own entirely.

Who inspects the school?

Ofsted (most English schools), ISI (ISC independent schools), Estyn (Wales), Education Scotland, ETI (NI). VA/faith schools also get diocesan inspections for RE.

Can the school prioritise faith in admissions?

VA schools and faith academies can. VC schools cannot. New free schools are limited to 50% faith-based admissions. Scotland’s denominational schools may request a baptismal certificate.

Is it free?

All state schools are free. Independent schools charge fees (average ~£16k/year day, ~£38k boarding). 20% VAT applies from January 2025. Bursaries exist at many schools.

State-Funded School Types

All of these schools are free to attend. The differences are in who runs them, who controls admissions, and what curriculum they must follow.

Community School

England~4,800

The "traditional" state school. The LA employs staff, owns the land, and controls admissions. Declining in number as academisation continues.

Funded by: Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority (LA)

Admissions: LA sets and administers admissions

Curriculum: Must follow the National Curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Academy (Converter)

England~10,500

Schools that chose to convert to academy status, usually after being rated Good or Outstanding. Funded directly by government, bypassing the LA. 83% of English secondaries are now academies.

Funded by: Government via ESFA (directly funded)

Run by: Academy trust (single or multi-academy trust)

Admissions: Trust sets admissions (within the Admissions Code)

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum (most follow National Curriculum in practice)

Inspection: Ofsted

Academy (Sponsored)

England~2,000

Underperforming schools that were required to become academies and were paired with a sponsor. Often rebranded with new name, uniform, and leadership.

Funded by: Government via ESFA

Run by: Sponsor (business, charity, or MAT)

Admissions: Trust sets admissions

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Free School

England~700

Brand-new schools established under the Academies Act 2010. Created to meet demand or offer a distinctive approach. Technically a type of academy.

Funded by: Government via ESFA

Run by: Academy trust (established by parents, teachers, charities, or businesses)

Admissions: Trust sets admissions

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Voluntary Aided (VA)

England~3,700

Mostly Church of England or Catholic. The foundation owns the buildings and controls admissions and RE. Can prioritise children of the faith in oversubscription criteria.

Funded by: Government + foundation (usually a church) contributes ~10% of capital costs

Run by: Governing body (foundation appoints majority of governors)

Admissions: Governing body sets admissions (may include faith criteria)

Curriculum: National Curriculum + own RE syllabus

Inspection: Ofsted (education) + diocesan inspection (RE/ethos)

Voluntary Controlled (VC)

England~2,100

Church schools that handed control to the LA in the 1944 settlement. Retain a religious character but cannot select on faith. Staff employed by the LA.

Funded by: Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority (foundation appoints minority of governors)

Admissions: LA sets admissions (no faith criteria)

Curriculum: National Curriculum + LA-agreed RE syllabus

Inspection: Ofsted

Foundation School

England~800

Similar to community schools but the governing body (not the LA) employs staff and sets admissions. The land is owned by the governing body or a foundation.

Funded by: Government via local authority

Run by: Governing body (may have a foundation)

Admissions: Governing body sets admissions

Curriculum: National Curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted

Grammar School

England / NI163 (England) + 69 (NI)

Academically selective schools. No new grammars can be created in England (since 1998). NI retained its entire grammar system. Around 42% of NI secondary pupils attend a grammar school.

Funded by: Government

Run by: Varies (community, foundation, academy, or VA)

Admissions: Academic selection via 11+ / Transfer Test

Curriculum: National Curriculum (England) / NI Curriculum

Inspection: Ofsted (England) / ETI (NI)

University Technical College (UTC)

England~45

Specialist technical schools for ages 14–18, co-designed with employers and universities. Students enter at 14 or 16, not 11. Some have struggled with recruitment.

Funded by: Government via ESFA

Run by: Academy trust (sponsored by a university and employer partners)

Admissions: Open to ages 14–18 (entry at Y10 and Y12)

Curriculum: Technical and vocational focus alongside core GCSEs/A-levels

Inspection: Ofsted

LA-Maintained School

Wales~1,460

The vast majority of Welsh schools. Wales has no academies, free schools, or grammar schools. The system is simpler than England’s.

Funded by: Welsh Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority

Admissions: LA sets admissions

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales (2022)

Inspection: Estyn

Welsh-Medium School

Wales~470

All subjects taught through Welsh. Around 23% of primary pupils and 17% of secondary pupils are in Welsh-medium education. Demand is growing.

Funded by: Welsh Government via local authority

Run by: Local authority

Admissions: LA sets admissions (Welsh-medium preference)

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales, taught through the Welsh language

Inspection: Estyn

VA / VC Faith School

Wales~250

Mostly Church in Wales (Anglican) or Catholic. Same VA/VC distinction as in England.

Funded by: Welsh Government + church contribution (VA)

Run by: Governing body (VA) or LA (VC)

Admissions: VA: governors set admissions (may include faith). VC: LA sets admissions.

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales + own RE (VA)

Inspection: Estyn + diocesan inspection

Council School (Non-denominational)

Scotland~2,300

The default school type in Scotland. No academies, no free schools, no grammar schools. The system is council-run and catchment-based.

Funded by: Scottish Government via local council

Run by: Local council

Admissions: Catchment-based placing requests

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence

Inspection: Education Scotland

Denominational School

Scotland~370

Almost all are Catholic. Guaranteed by the Education (Scotland) Act 1918 which brought Catholic schools into the state system while preserving their religious character.

Funded by: Scottish Government via local council

Run by: Local council (church appoints chaplains and RE teachers)

Admissions: Catchment-based (baptismal certificate may be requested)

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence + Catholic RE

Inspection: Education Scotland

Gaelic-Medium School

Scotland~60 units/schools

All subjects taught through Gaelic. Concentrated in the Highlands and Islands but growing in cities. Around 3,000 pupils in Gaelic-medium education.

Funded by: Scottish Government via local council

Run by: Local council

Admissions: Catchment-based

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence, taught through Scottish Gaelic

Inspection: Education Scotland

Controlled School

Northern Ireland~500

Historically Protestant in character (managed by Transferors’ Representatives from Protestant churches), though officially open to all. The “default” school type in NI.

Funded by: NI Government via Education Authority

Run by: Education Authority (managed by Board of Governors)

Admissions: Open to all (non-selective) or Transfer Test (grammar)

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum

Inspection: ETI

Catholic Maintained School

Northern Ireland~470

Managed through the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). Largest Catholic school system in the UK. Enrolment is open to all faiths but the school community is predominantly Catholic.

Funded by: NI Government (100% current costs, ~90% capital via CCMS)

Run by: Board of Governors (appointed by CCMS and trustees)

Admissions: Open to all but predominantly Catholic pupils

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum + Catholic RE

Inspection: ETI

Integrated School

Northern Ireland~70

Funded by: NI Government via Education Authority

Run by: Board of Governors

Admissions: Must enrol a minimum of 30% from each community (Catholic and Protestant)

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum

Inspection: ETI

Irish-Medium School

Northern Ireland~30

All subjects taught through the Irish language. Growing sector, particularly in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. Cross-community appeal.

Funded by: NI Government

Run by: Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta

Admissions: Open to all

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum, taught through Irish

Inspection: ETI

Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / AP

England / Wales~350 (England)

Funded by: Government via LA or academy trust

Run by: LA, academy trust, or independent provider

Admissions: Referred by schools, LAs, or Fair Access Panels

Curriculum: Tailored curriculum (must include English, maths, science, ICT, PSHE)

Inspection: Ofsted / Estyn

Independent (Private) Schools

Fee-paying schools that operate outside the state system. They set their own curriculum, admissions, and term dates.

Independent (Private) School

All UK~2,600 (England) + ~250 (rest of UK)

Fee-paying schools. ~7% of English pupils, but ~40% of Oxbridge entrants. 20% VAT applies from January 2025. Scholarships and bursaries available at many schools.

Funded by: Fees (average ~£16,000/year day, ~£38,000 boarding) + endowments

Run by: Board of governors or proprietor

Admissions: School sets own admissions (entrance exams, interviews)

Curriculum: Can set own curriculum (many follow National Curriculum loosely, some offer IB)

Inspection: ISI (England, ISC members), Ofsted (non-ISC), Estyn (Wales), Care Inspectorate + Education Scotland (Scotland), ETI (NI)

20% VAT on independent school fees

Special Schools & Alternative Provision

Schools for children with special educational needs or those who cannot attend mainstream school.

Special School

All UK~1,900 (all UK)

Funded by: Government (state) or fees (independent)

Run by: LA, academy trust, or independent provider

Admissions: Via EHCP/IDP/CSP/Statement naming the school

Inspection: Ofsted / Estyn / Education Scotland / ETI

Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / AP

England / Wales~350 (England)

Funded by: Government via LA or academy trust

Run by: LA, academy trust, or independent provider

Admissions: Referred by schools, LAs, or Fair Access Panels

Inspection: Ofsted / Estyn

Common Questions

Sources

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