State Schools

All children between the ages of five and 16 in England are entitled to a free place at a state school. There are four categories of state-funded mainstream schools funded by local authorities (community, foundation, voluntary-controlled and voluntary-aided) and two categories of state-funded special schools for children with special educational needs (community special and foundation special). All follow the National Curriculum and are regularly inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Mainstream State Schools

All mainstream state schools are self-managing and do not charge fees. They work in partnership with other schools and local education authorities (LEAs), and receive funding from LEAs. Mainstream state schools fall into one of the following four categories:

1. Community Schools

Community schools (formally known as county schools) are run by the local authority, which employs the schools' staff, owns the schools' land and buildings and has primary responsibility for deciding the arrangements for admitting pupils. Community schools often forge strong links with their local community, offering their facilities and providing services such as childcare and adult learning classes.

2. Foundation Schools

Foundation schools are managed by a governing body, which employs the staff and has primary responsibility for admissions. The school's land and buildings are either owned by the governing body or by a charitable foundation. Many foundation schools were formerly grant maintained (GM) schools.

3. Voluntary Aided (VA) Schools

Voluntary-aided schools are mainly funded, but not owned, by their local authority. The governing body employs the staff and decides admission arrangements. The schools' lands and buildings are normally owned by a charitable foundation and the governing body contributes to building and maintenance costs along with other capital costs of running the school.

Although the majority of aided schools are linked to either the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church, there are a number of schools linked to other faith groups. There are also some non-denominational schools, often linked to philanthropic organisations such as the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and the Drapers.

4. Voluntary Controlled (VC) Schools

Voluntary-controlled schools are run by the local authority, which employs the school's staff, and has primary responsibility for admission arrangements. However, the lands and buildings are often owned by a charitable foundation (often a religious organisation), which appoints some of the members of the governing body.

Other Mainstream Schools

Within the four categories of mainstream school, there are further ways in which schools can specialise to offer additional benefits and services. Admissions to these schools are handled in the same way as mainstream schools, but some may have specific extra admission criteria.

1. Extended Schools