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Local authority

The local council responsible for education services in its area, such as school places, admissions, SEND support and maintained schools. Sometimes still called the LEA (local education authority).

Also called
LA
Used in
England, Wales, Scotland
Topic
Organisations

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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Local education authority (LEA) England Wales
An older name for the part of a local council responsible for education. Today usually just called the local authority.
Maintained school England Wales
A state school funded and overseen by the local authority. It must follow the national curriculum and national rules on teachers' pay and conditions.
EHCP (Education, health and care plan) England
A legal document in England, issued by the local authority, describing a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs and the support they must receive, for those aged up to 25.

More terms: Organisations

GTCS · Hwb · Independent Schools Inspectorate · Maths hubs · NAHT · NCETM

More terms starting with L · 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.