Choosing a school in the UK can feel confusing. You’ll see terms like academy, community school, free school, faith, UTC, PRU, independent, special, post-16 — and then sub-types such as converter, sponsor led, alternative provision, or 16–19. This guide explains what those labels actually mean in day-to-day school life, what parents should look for, and where to explore real examples on AllSchools.
Quick note: the names below match the official categories used on our site (and by the DfE). Click through to browse schools of that type.
What “type” actually changes
While every good school aims to provide a safe, ambitious education, type affects four practical things:
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Governance & funding – who runs the school (local authority, academy trust, independent board) and how it’s funded.
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Curriculum flexibility – how closely the school must follow the national curriculum and exams.
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Admissions – whether places are local-catchment, selective (e.g., grammar), faith-based, or specialist.
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Provision – whether the school is mainstream, special (SEND-focused), post-16, or alternative provision.
These differences shape class sizes, subjects on offer, the school day, support services, and the overall culture.
Local authority maintained schools
Community school
Local council employs staff and sets admissions, usually prioritising distance and siblings. A straightforward, catchment-led option that follows the national curriculum.
Explore: Community school
Voluntary aided school & Voluntary controlled school
Often faith-linked (e.g., Church of England or Catholic). In voluntary aided, the governing body has more say over admissions and staffing; voluntary controlled has greater local authority involvement. Ask how faith is woven into daily life and admissions.
Explore: Voluntary aided school • Voluntary controlled school
Foundation school
Governing body employs staff and sets admissions. Similar classroom experience to community schools, with slightly more autonomy.
Explore: Foundation school
Local authority nursery school
Teacher-led early years settings run by the council; great for families wanting a school-based nursery route into Reception.
Explore: Local authority nursery school
Pupil referral unit (PRU)
For pupils who need short- or long-term alternative provision, often due to medical, behavioural or other complex needs. Look for small class sizes, therapeutic support, and strong reintegration plans.
Explore: Pupil referral unit
Academies (state-funded, more autonomy)
Academies are publicly funded but independent of the local authority, usually part of a multi-academy trust (MAT). They have extra flexibility over curriculum, term dates and staffing, but are still inspected and accountable.
Academy converter vs Academy sponsor led
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Converter academies chose to convert, typically from strong maintained schools.
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Sponsor led academies were created with an external sponsor to help raise standards.
Explore:
Alternative provision academies
Serve pupils who cannot attend mainstream settings. Check therapeutic support, individual timetables, and routes back into mainstream or onward progression.
Explore: Academy alternative provision converter • Academy alternative provision sponsor led
Special academies
Mainstream alternatives for pupils with SEND who need specialist teaching, therapy and smaller groups.
Explore: Academy special converter • Academy special sponsor led
16–19 academies
Sixth-form academies focusing on post-16 courses (A-levels, vocational).
Explore: Academy 16-19 converter • Academy 16 to 19 sponsor led
Academy secure 16 to 19
Specialist setting within the secure estate for 16–19-year-olds; highly specific provision.
Explore: Academy secure 16 to 19
Free schools (a form of academy)
Free schools are state-funded academies set up by groups such as charities, trusts or community organisations. They enjoy similar freedoms to academies but often open with a distinctive vision (STEM, arts, community focus).
Explore:
Studio schools & University technical college (UTC)
Both are 14–19 institutions within the free-school family:
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Studio schools emphasise real-world projects and employability.
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UTCs partner with universities/employers to deliver technical and engineering pathways.
Explore: Studio schools • University technical college
Special and alternative provision (non-mainstream)
If your child has identified SEND, it’s crucial to match need with provision. Consider capacity for therapies, sensory spaces, speech and language input, and the school’s experience with your child’s profile.
Explore:
For a deeper dive into support pathways, see our guide:
Independent (fee-paying) and other settings
Independent schools
Privately funded through fees. They may offer smaller classes, broader enrichment, and boarding options, with more flexibility over curriculum and timetables.
Explore: Other independent school
City technology college
Legacy independent state-funded model with a technical/vocational emphasis.
Explore: City technology college
British schools overseas & Offshore schools
UK-linked schools outside the UK. Useful for families relocating or returning from abroad.
Explore: British schools overseas • Offshore schools
Online provider
Registered online education providers — worth checking timetable, safeguarding, live lesson quality, and assessment routes.
Explore: Online provider
Service children’s education
Schools serving Armed Forces families, typically overseas.
Explore: Service children’s education
Secure units
Education within secure settings; highly specialised.
Explore: Secure units
Welsh establishment
Schools categorised within the Welsh system. If you’re moving across borders, check curriculum and language medium (English, Welsh, or bilingual).
Explore: Welsh establishment
Post-16 (colleges, sixth-forms and HE)
Further education & Sixth form centres
Post-16 options delivering A-levels, T Levels and vocational courses. FE colleges typically offer a wider vocational range; sixth-form centres feel more school-like.
Explore: Further education • Sixth form centres
Higher education institutions
Universities — included for completeness when families research onward pathways.
Explore: Higher education institutions
Children’s Centres (early years & family support)
Not schools in the traditional sense, but part of many families’ journeys. Children’s Centres provide early years sessions, parenting support, health visitor links and signposting.
Explore: Children’s centre • Children’s centre linked site
How to use “type” to make a great choice
Start with your child. Think about temperament, interests, any learning differences, and the environment where they’ve thrived before. Then use type as a filter, not a decision on its own.
On visits and open evenings, ask:
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Curriculum & day-to-day: Which subjects/paths are offered? How is reading/maths supported? What enrichment is genuinely regular?
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Support: How are needs identified and met (SEN, EAL, pastoral)? What’s the approach to behaviour and attendance?
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Outcomes: What do pupils go on to do (GCSE/ALevel results, destinations, apprenticeships, university)?
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Culture: How do pupils speak about the school? Do you feel the ethos in corridors, not just in slides?
For families exploring SEND or alternative provision, bring specific questions about therapies, class sizes, integration opportunities, and EHCP experience. For faith schools, clarify how faith practice appears in daily routines and admissions.
FAQs
Is an academy better than a community school?
Neither label guarantees quality. Look at leadership stability, teaching, pastoral care and outcomes. Many superb schools exist across all types.
What does “converter” vs “sponsor led” mean?
It’s about how an academy was created: converter schools opted to convert; sponsor led were re-launched with a sponsor to support improvement. Day-to-day experience varies by trust and leadership, not just the label.
Do free schools follow the national curriculum?
They have flexibility but most still teach a curriculum aligned to national expectations so pupils can progress to GCSEs/A-levels smoothly.
Where can I explore schools by type?
Start here: AllSchools – Types of School (page 1) and page 2. Each tile opens a live list you can browse.
Next steps
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Shortlist 2–4 types that fit your child’s needs.
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Click through to our live lists (linked above) and note local options.
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Visit in person — the feel of a school tells you more than a label ever will.
When you use type to ask sharper questions — rather than as a shortcut to “best” — you’ll find the place where your child will feel known, supported and excited to learn.
