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Comprehensive school

A state secondary school that admits pupils of all abilities without academic selection.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
Types of school

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Grammar school England Northern Ireland
A state secondary school that selects pupils by academic ability, usually through an entrance test taken in Year 6 (England) or Primary 7 (Northern Ireland).
Secondary school All four UK nations (details may differ)
A school for pupils aged about 11 to 16 or 18, covering Years 7 to 11 (and often 12 to 13) in England and Wales, S1 to S6 in Scotland and Years 8 to 14 in Northern Ireland.

More terms: Types of school

All-through school · Boarding school · Faith school · Further education college · Hospital school · Independent school

More terms starting with C · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.