Types Of Secondary Schools in the British Education System

Summary

This video educates viewers on the diverse types of secondary schools in the UK, aiming to demystify the application process and reduce anxiety. It outlines state, comprehensive, faith, grammar, academy, and independent schools, detailing their funding, admission criteria, and curriculum. The video emphasizes the importance of choosing the right fit for a child over mere prestige.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The video discusses different types of schools in the UK for secondary education.
• 🌍 State schools are funded by the government and follow the National Curriculum.
• 📚 Comprehensive schools are open to all students and may use sets for teaching.
• ⛪ Faith schools focus on a particular religion and have some autonomy in their curriculum.
• 📈 Grammar schools select students based on an exam called the eleven plus.
• 🏛 Academies and free schools receive government funding but have more freedom in their curriculum and admissions.
• 🌐 The Harris Federation is an example of an academy.
• 💼 Independent schools, also known as private schools, require parents to pay fees and can set their own exams.
• 👥 Eton and Harrow are examples of prestigious independent schools.
• 🤔 It's important to consider the right fit for your child, not just reputation, when choosing a secondary school.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of creating the resources mentioned in the video?

The primary purpose is to inform and alleviate stress related to the secondary school application process for parents and students.

What is the first type of school discussed in the video?

The first type of school discussed is a state school, which is funded by the government.

What is the main difference between a state school and a comprehensive school?

A comprehensive school is a type of state school where students of all abilities are taught together, potentially in sets based on academic ability.

What is a faith school and how does it differ from a state school?

A faith school focuses on a particular religion, follows the national curriculum, and may have specific admission criteria related to that religion.

At what age can children attend grammar schools, and what is the selection process like?

Children can attend grammar schools from the age of 11. They are selected based on their performance in the eleven plus exam, which includes topics like maths, verbal reasoning, comprehension, and creative writing.

What is the significance of the term '11 plus' in the context of the video?

The term '11 plus' refers to the entrance examination for grammar schools, and it is sometimes used more broadly to describe entrance exams for secondary schools.

How do academies and free schools differ from comprehensive schools in terms of funding and curriculum freedom?

Academies and free schools are funded by the government and have more freedom over their curriculum, timetables, and student admissions compared to comprehensive schools.

What is an example of an academy mentioned in the video?

The Harris Federation of Schools is given as an example of an academy.

How are independent schools, also known as private schools, funded?

Independent schools are funded through school fees paid by parents, and they can design their own examinations for student admissions.

What is the advice given in the video regarding the selection of a secondary school for a child?

The advice is to not solely rely on reputation but to consider finding the right fit for the child, with more considerations to be discussed in subsequent videos.

What is the next step suggested by the video after understanding the types of schools?

The next step is to consider various factors when selecting a secondary school for a child, which will be discussed in future videos.