The UK has a diverse mix of school types. Understanding the differences — in funding, curriculum, and admissions — helps you find the right fit for your family.
The traditional state school. Run by the local authority, which employs the staff, owns the land, and decides admissions. Must follow the full National Curriculum.
Funding
Fully state-funded via local authority
Admissions
Local authority manages admissions using oversubscription criteria (siblings, distance, etc.)
Best suited for: Families who want a straightforward local school option with no entrance requirements.
Publicly funded but independently run, usually by an academy trust (MAT). Have more freedom over curriculum, term dates, and teacher pay. Most secondary schools are now academies.
Funding
State-funded directly by central government (not through LA)
Admissions
The academy trust sets its own admissions policy, but must follow the Schools Admissions Code
Best suited for: Similar to community schools in practice. Check individual school's curriculum approach.
Similar to academies but newly established — not converted from existing schools. Set up by groups of parents, teachers, charities, or businesses to meet local demand.
Funding
State-funded directly by central government
Admissions
Own admissions policy; cannot select by ability (except grammar free schools)
Best suited for: Families interested in innovative approaches or specific educational philosophies.
State-funded selective schools that admit based on academic ability. Found mainly in Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and parts of the Midlands. Follow the National Curriculum.
Funding
State-funded
Admissions
Selective — entry via 11-plus exam. Highly competitive.
Best suited for: Academically strong children who perform well in entrance exams. Popular with aspirational families.
Set their own curriculum, class sizes, and admissions. Range from small local prep schools to historic boarding schools. Many offer scholarships and bursaries.
Funding
Fee-paying. Fees range from ~£3,000 to £45,000+ per year
Admissions
Apply directly to each school. Usually entrance exam, interview, and school report.
Best suited for: Families who want smaller class sizes, specific facilities, or a particular educational ethos.
Associated with a religion — Church of England, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and others. State faith schools must follow the National Curriculum but can set their own RE and collective worship.
Funding
Can be state-funded (voluntary aided/controlled) or independent
Admissions
May prioritise children of practising families of the relevant faith. Supplementary forms often required.
Best suited for: Families who want their child's education to reflect their religious values and community.
| School Type | Follows NC? | Funded By | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community | ✓ Yes | Local authority | None |
| Academy | ~ Partly | Central gov | None |
| Free School | ~ Partly | Central gov | None |
| Grammar | ✓ Yes | State | 11-plus exam |
| Independent | ✗ No | Fees | Entrance exam |
| Faith | ✓ Mostly | Varies | Faith criteria |