As a new parent, understanding the schooling system in the UK and choosing the right school for your child’s long-term future is a difficult decision. Most children going through what is called State run schooling meaning the school is mainly funded through the Government by means of local council-controlled funding. It is nearly 20 years since the Academy concept came into existence.
Academies are technically still State schools, although they receive funding directly from the UK Government, bypassing the local system and to some extent their spending guidelines. There is scene to be more autonomy with academies in that they can decide how the funding they receive is spent, although they still have to adhere to the same Government Guidelines as State school but have more control over their admissions process.
Academies where originally set up to help failing schools to get back on track and have more control over how the school can improve its performance standards, but it has since expanded, and schools have elected to become academies. A single academy can choose to join a group of academies, called a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). This can allow schools to collaborate closely together and often make financial savings by purchasing services together or by sharing staff across schools.
Independent schools are thus independently funded. Although they must follow the same curriculum, the delivery of the curriculum can be prepared and presented very differently. The eligibility requirement for a Primary Teacher in a State School is Senior Secondary School certificate or Intermediate or its equivalent, and Bachelor of Elementary Education (B. El. Ed.), or Diploma or certificate in basic teachers› training of not less than two years duration. Independent schools also require certifications but will look further at the teacher’s academic experience and ability to prepare and present the curriculum. Teachers are normally one of the defining values for Independent schools and their ability to raise the academic levels of their pupils and ultimately, the school itself.
One of the age-old questions has been, when should you enter your child into the schooling system? The normal requirement to start your child in school is the September after their 4th birthday. Parents can ask for their child to be held back a school year if these two things apply:
- they were born between April 1 – August 31
- the parent doesn’t believe they’re ready to start in the September after they turn four
If successful, this would mean the child could start school in the September after their 5th birthday. You can apply for permission by contacting your local council. Some schools offer two intakes to reception depending on when the child’s birthday falls.
Nurseries and Preparatory Schools– Nurseries and Preparatory schools accept children from the age of 3-7/8. This is a good time for children to further develop social skills and get a good start to continue the learning process. Prep schools are designed to prepare students more for a life through the independent school structure and nurseries can cater to both. These systems can provide assistance to identify and work on aspects of the child’s ability to succeed in the school system through early development. This can be key to the child’s long-term future and their level of achievement in the school system, though you will find a more personalised approach in Prep Schools as their class size will tend to be smaller.
Public Schools– Exclusivity tops the lists for public schools with the three most famous in England being Eton, Harrow and Winchester. Formally, the realm of the upper classes and joined by offspring of entrepreneurs, business executives and international diplomats, these schools tend to have a fee structure in excess of £30k per year but offer opportunities for a life at the top level of business and government.
Boarding Schools – Schools with facilities for pupils to have a home away from home on a termly, weekly or flexible basis offering superb facilities and a multitude of extracurricular activities. Although most will have boarding in the title, these schools also offer day students the opportunity to enjoy these stately settings and high levels.
Independent or Private Schools – In essence, these schools are similar to boarding and range from grand public schools to highly selective day schools to smaller local, specialised schools. The common theme throughout them is that they do not access public funding and rely on tuition fees, gifts and endowment giving parents good access to an excellent standard of education.