Summary of the differences between Schools

AREA

ACADEMIES

MAINTAINED SCHOOLS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

CURRICULUM

Content

Do not have to follow National Curriculum but content must be broad and balanced' and certain subjects (including Maths, English and Science must be taught).

Must follow National Curriculum but are able to focus on specific subjects provided the requirements of the National Curriculum are met.

Do not have to follow National Curriculum but must give 'pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education'.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy

Must establish a clear SEN policy following the code of practice for SEN and vulnerable children.

Must follow the SEN code of practice. Each Local Authority oversees SEN provision in each school.

Must ensure that facilities and access are suitable for those with SEN and disabilites.

Student Assessments

Must assess students at all keystages as detailed in their funding agreement.

Must be assessed at all key stages.

Although not required to perform national assessments (e.g. GCSEs), most do.

Teaching Hours

Free to change length of school day and term dates.

Voluntary Aided and Foundation schools can change length of school day and term dates however Voluntary Controlled and Community schools must go through lengthy consultation to do so.

Free to change length of school day and term dates

Inspection and Regulation

Secretary of State for Education will act as Principal Regulator. Not subject to regular Ofsted inspections.

Subject to Ofsted inspection.Must meet national floor targets.

Not subject to mandatory inspection. Not required to set external targets.

STUDENTS

Age Restrictions

Any age between 5-19

Depends on Local Authority

None

Admissions Policy

No selection by ability permitted although school can prioritise 10% of secondary intake by aptitude in school's specialism.

Selection by ability allowed for grammar schools only. Other schools can prioritise 10% of secondary intake by aptitude in school's specialism.

Selection by ability allowed.

Cap on Student Numbers

In primary schools classes are limited to 30 pupils by statute. There are no restrictions in secondary  or special schools.

In primary schools classes are limited to 30 pupils by statute. There are no restrictions in secondary  or special schools.

No restrictions

FINANCE

Sources of Funding

All funding disbursed directly by DfE on per pupil formula. Sponsored academies will often have additional sources of funding.

All funding disbursed by Local Authority.

Private through fees and donations. No public funds are committed.

Funding per Pupil

Varies by Local Authority because of LACSEG element of grant which is paid directly to each school.

Varies according to Local Authority.

Varies depending on level of fees.

Allocation

Can allocate funds as they wish including buying in services previously provided by Local Authority.

Schools free to allocate all funds received but Local Authority keeps a proportion back for ‘central services’.

Schools can allocate funds as they wish.

MANAGING STAFF

Teacher Selection

QTS required

QTS required

No QTS required

Adding Non-Teacher Positions

Free to hire as required

Voluntary Aided and Foundation schools are free to hire as required. Local Authority restrictions apply to Voluntary Controlled and Community schools.

Free to hire as required

Pay and Incentives

Free to set own pay and conditions.

Must follow national pay and conditions.

Free to set own pay and conditions.

Managing Performance

Free to evaluate and manage performance as required (subject to TUPE restrictions).

Managed by Local Authority.

Free to evaluate and manage performance as required.

GOVERNANCE

Ownership of Assets

The Academy Trust.

Local Authority own the assets of community schools but, for other types of schools, buildings and land may be owned by a charity or governing body.

Private. Usually but not always under trust.

Decision Making and Fiscal Responsibility

Trustees and Governing Body.

Governing Body and Local Authority.

School Governors and Trustees.

Involvement of Private Sector Companies

Able to appoint private sector companies to run and manage certain elements of the school.

Some discretion but major contracts managed by Local Authority.

Free to operate as they wish.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reporting Requirements

Currently monitored by YPLA. Subject to change in 2012.

Monitored and analysed by Local Authority and Ofsted (with some DfE oversight).

No public reporting requirements other audited accounts for those over threshold.

Transparency

All results made publicly available.

All results made publicly available.

Must publish exam results.