2. Types of School

College

Grammar school

Schools that select students on the basis of academic achievement. Most require a high score in an entrance exam taken in year 6 (this is a separate exam to SATs, usually referred to as the 11+).

Independent Schools

Schools that are not funded by the government; they are normally financially funded by the student parents and charities. They are regulated by the DfE, so children who go to these schools will learn everything they would learn at another school that is funded by the government. The main difference is that the school and teachers have more freedom in some of their rules and special subjects. For example, it is very common to find independent schools that will be specialised in subjects such as: dance, choir, drama, and sports.

Infant School

Infant schools are the first half of a primary school; from ages 4 to 7, which is Reception to year 2. Sometimes these are separate schools.

International Primary School

A type of private school that provides teaching which may not be the same as the national curriculum. For example, an international school in the UK may follow the American curriculum not the English national curriculum. Some international schools may also teach in a different language.

Junior School

Junior schools are the second half of primary school for children aged 7 – 11 in school Years 3 – 6. It is normally very closely linked to its infant school; it will just be in a separate building. The curriculum and layout of junior school is the same as year 3 – 6 in a primary school.

Prep School

A prep' (short for preparatory) school is a private primary school. Children may stay at a prep' school until the age of 13 (Year 8).

Primary School

For children aged from 4 – 11. Students will learn how to read, write, and will be prepared for moving to Secondary School. This is from Reception to year 6. Find more information about Primary School on the education timeline.

Private School

Independent schools (also known as private schools) charge fees to attend instead of being funded by the government. Pupils do not have to follow the national curriculum. Private schools are very expensive but usually offer smaller classes and specialist facilities.

Reception

The first year of school for children between the ages of 4 and 5.

Secondary School

For students aged 12 to 16, in the school Years 7 to 11, culminating in GCSEs in Year 11. Find more information about secondary schools on the education timeline.

Sixth Form/6th Form/College

This is a school that focuses on A-levels for students between the ages of 16 and 18, it is also called college. Some sixth forms can be a part of a secondary school, and will share the same grounds as the school, but some sixth form colleges will not be connected to a secondary school.

State School

A state school is the most common school to attend in England. All children in England are entitled to a free place at a state school because they are government-funded. They all follow the national curriculum.