What is a state school and how is it different from a private school?
DECIDING the path for your child's education can be a big decision for parents.
State run schools are available across the UK, but how can you ensure you choose the right environment to allow your son or daughter to blossom?
What is a state school in the UK?
State schools are overseen by the local authority.
They follow the national curriculum and have a rigid pay structure and conditions for teachers.
Every child is entitled to a free place at a state school.
The schools cater for pupils from the age of five up until 18.
Parents do not need to pay for a state school education, as they are funded by the government through national taxes.
But state schools do vary across the country, with parents faced with different options for their child's education.
Community state schools are maintained by the local authority and follow the national curriculum.
They do not have influence from religious groups or businesses, unlike foundation and voluntary schools.
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Faith schools also follow the national curriculum but can choose what they teach in religious studies.
Many schools have now become academies which are publicly funded, but are independent and have more control over deciding their own curriculum.
Some parts of the country still have a selective process at age 11, whereas others do not.
Parents who want their children to attend a grammar school will see pupils selected by ability.
They will be tested, often with the 11 plus exam, in order to get in.
Despite being selective, grammar schools are also state schools as they are free and funded by the government.
What is the difference between private and state schools in the UK?
Funding is the main difference between private and state schools.
While state schools are government funded, private schools are financed by school fees paid by parents.
It can prove a lot more expensive to send your child to a private school but one advantage can be that these have more access to financial aid and can award scholarships.
The size of the classes can be significantly different also, with private schools focussing on a lower pupil to teacher ratio.
However, state schools can often offer far more subject choices within the curriculum.
Some feel that children can be exposed to more diverse communities within state schools, giving their children a far more rounded view of the world around them.
You may also here the term public schools.
In the UK these are the most exclusive private schools with pupils mainly boarding on site.
Parents have to pay school fees for their children to attend a public school.
For example, Eton, Harrow and Winchester are the most widely known public schools in the country.
How many state schools are in the UK?
There are 3,473 state secondary schools in England.
Wales has 1,470 state schools and Northern Ireland has 511 as per data obtained for 2022.
What is the best state school in the UK?
The statistics for school performances tend to be based on exam performances and results that give parents all the information to make the right choices for their children.
Henrietta Barnett School
Based in Hampstead in London, this grammar school for girls is consistently near the top of the league tables each year.
It was named The Sunday Times Secondary School of the year in 2022 based on academic performance.
Jordanhill School
This comprehensive school in Glasgow topped The Sunday Times Scotland Secondary School of the Year by Academic Performance.
Uniquely, this primary and secondary school is funded directly by the Scottish Government.
Ysgol Bro Preseli
In Wales, the Pembrokeshire school attained the envied title of the top state secondary school due to A-Level and GCSE results.
St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt
In Northern Ireland, St Mary's attained by far the best GCSE and A-Level pass rates, propelling it into top spot for parents looking where to send their children.
The grammar school is located in the town of Magherafelt in Derry.