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Maintained school

A state school funded and overseen by the local authority. It must follow the national curriculum and national rules on teachers' pay and conditions.

Used in
England, Wales
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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Community school England Wales
A maintained school where the local authority employs the staff, owns the land and buildings and sets the admissions rules.
Voluntary aided school (VA school) England Wales
A maintained school, usually a faith school, where the governing body employs staff and sets admissions, and the religious foundation owns the buildings and contributes to building costs.
Voluntary controlled school (VC school) England Wales
A maintained school, often with a religious character, where the local authority employs the staff and sets admissions, while a foundation (often a church) owns the land and buildings.
Foundation school England Wales
A maintained school where the governing body employs the staff and sets the admissions rules, and the land and buildings are usually owned by the governing body or a charitable foundation.
Local authority (LA) England Wales Scotland
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).

More terms: Types of school

Grammar school · Infant school · Junior school · Middle school (UK) · Public school (UK) · Pupil referral unit

More terms starting with M · 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.