General Article Types of school

Topic Selected: Education Book Volume: 353
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This article describes the different types of schools in the UK and how they are funded and managed. It explains the difference between maintained schools, academies, free schools and independent schools.

All children in England between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school

What is compulsory school age?

Compulsory education in England and Wales is provided for children between the ages of 5 and 16. 

  • Primary education is for children from the ages of 5 to 11
  • Secondary education is for children from the ages of 11 to 16 

There are a few areas of the country which have primary schools for ages 5 to 9, middle schools for ages 9 to 13 and high schools for ages 13 to 16. Some secondary schools also have sixth forms to educate pupils from 16 to 18. Other post-16 options are sixth-form colleges and colleges of further education.

What is a Maintained School?

  • These are wholly owned and maintained by local authorities
  • They are likely to have a strong link with...

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