Schools as Organisations 1

Type of schooling early years children entitled to

As part of “Every Child Matters” and the Childcare Act 2006 every child is entitled to free part-time early years’ education between ages three and five. It includes 12.5 hours a week, 38 weeks a year in a nursery and it is distinct from Key Stage 1. In reception classes and nurseries children learn through play, are encouraged to explore their environment and gradually develop autonomy.

Types of schools

a.    Community schools

Community Schools are run by the Local Educational Authority that is responsible for the entrance exams and admissions. These schools are closely linked to the community they are embedded in and strive to serve any special needs of the area. E.g. in an industrial area pupils tend to choose professions linked to the local industries, therefore need more preparation in certain subjects in order to pursue further professional education.

b.   Foundation and trust schools

Foundation and trust schools have their own governing body and are not subject to LEA decisions. These institutions own their land and property and buy any services e.g. electricity from their own budget. Their rely on the donations and schooling fees paid in by the parents who in return expect high quality education that prepares their children for further studies at colleges and universities.

c.    Voluntary schools

Voluntary Schools include two types of Faith Schools. Aided Faith Schools receive financial support from the church only and by Local Educational Authority too. Controlled Faith Schools are run entirely by the church and independent from the LEA.

d.   Specialist schools

92% of Specialist Schools are in secondary educations. These institutions are specialised in a certain subject area or profession, providing a training that leads to a degree in a certain profession or prepares for further specialised studies.

e.    Independent schools

Independent Schools provide a high level of education but funded solely by the fees paid by the parents. There are 2300 Independent Schools in the UK.

f.     Academies

Academies are sponsored by the community or a local industry with strong ties to the community and therefore these institutions serve the special needs of the community or focuses on training pupils towards professions that are needed in the local industry. They generally have more freedom than simple state schools.

Post 16 options for young people and adults

At around age 16 young people have to make serious decisions about the direction of their future, if they want to pursue further studies or start to work. Therefore it is important that they have clear options to choose from, and soon there are likely to be more even more opportunities for them. The aim is to reduce the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) situation of many young people. The September Guarantee means that after finishing tenth grade, students have the opportunity to take part in full or part-time education, an apprenticeship programme, entry to employment (E2E) or Level 2 employment training from the next September.