All children in the UK between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to a place at a state school. They are the most common type of school, funded by the government and free to all students. State schools follow the National Curriculum and are inspected by Ofsted. The two types of state school are community and foundation. Some state schools are part of a federation, which means that two or more schools collaborate to function under the same governing body and share a common vision. 

Also known as a maintained school, these institutions are overseen by the Local Authority (LA), who owns the land and building, employs the staff and oversees the budget. 

These are also funded by the LA, but they are administered by the school governing body, meaning that they are responsible for employing the staff and controlling admissions. The school building and land is owned by the governing body or charitable foundation associated with the school. Foundation schools have more freedom than community schools, since they are not controlled by the LA.

A grammar school is a type of state school where pupils have to sit an entrance exam (the 11+) in order to be offered a place. The schools are run by the LA and they follow the National Curriculum. Grammar schools focus on academic excellence and they aim to promote high standards of achievement.

Academies are funded by the government rather than the LA. They have more freedom over their curriculum and do not have to follow the National Curriculum, but they must ensure they offer a balanced curriculum. Some academies are part of a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), which is a chain that operates more than one academy school. Academies are inspected by Ofsted and follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions.

Independent schools are institutions which charge fees to attend, instead of being funded by the government. They are commonly known as private schools, and they do not have to follow the National Curriculum. Independent schools are regularly inspected, some by Ofsted and some by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and School Inspection Service. Some independent schools are academically selective, meaning that pupils need to sit an entrance examination before they are accepted.

Some private schools are boarding schools, meaning that children live on-site whilst they are studying. Pupils (or ‘boarders’) will live in dormitories or halls of residence and be cared for by school staff. The youngest age for pupils to attend boarding school in the UK is seven years old, although most pupils attend for their secondary education only. Pupils usually return home during school holidays, however if their parents live abroad, they may remain at school for the entire academic year. These schools can be either single-sex or co-educational. 

Special schools provide education for children with special educational needs, so that their learning experience is more tailored to their needs. Some of these will be specific and specialise in particular areas such as Autistic spectrum disorders, visual impairment or speech, language and communication needs.

Pupil referral units (PRUs) are an alternative type of educational institution for children who are unable to attend mainstream schools for a number of different reasons, such as behavioural or emotional issues. PRUs do not need to follow the full National Curriculum, but they should offer a broad and balanced curriculum. They are funded by the LA and tend to have smaller class sizes and specialised staff, who are experienced in catering to learners with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Pupils also have access to counsellors and educational psychologists, who can offer further support.

These schools offer an education based on one particular religion and are often funded in part by that religious organisation. Faith schools can be state funded or independent. State-funded faith schools follow the National Curriculum but they can choose whatever religious studies they teach, so they usually focus entirely on their chosen faith. State-funded faith schools can accept students of other religious faiths if they fail to fill their places with those following their religion.