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Glossary for primary school admissions

We use quite specific language. This glossary will help you to understand what we mean.


Nursery schools

Nursery schools generally cater for children between the ages of 3 and 4.

Primary phase

Within the primary phase of education, there are 3 types of school:

Infant schools

Infant schools generally cater for pupils aged between 5 and 7. However, if the school has a nursery unit, it will cater for pupils aged between 3 and 7.

Junior schools

Junior schools cater for pupils aged between 7 and 11.

Primary schools

Primary schools generally cater for pupils aged between 5 and 11. However, if the school has a nursery unit, it will cater for pupils aged between 3 and 11.

Community and voluntary controlled schools

Community and voluntary controlled schools are funded by us with the headteacher and governing body responsible for running the school. The admissions policy is determined and administered by us.

Voluntary aided schools

Voluntary aided schools are jointly funded by us and a voluntary organisation, usually a church diocesan board. The headteacher and governing body run the school. The admissions policy is determined and administered by the governing body.

Foundation schools

Foundation schools are funded by us but responsibility for running the school rests with the headteacher and governing body. The admissions policy is determined and administered by the governing body.

Academies

Academies are funded directly by central government and responsibility for running the school rests with the headteacher and the academy trust. The admissions policy is determined and administered by the academy trust.

Enhanced resource schools

Enhanced resource schools are mainstream schools with additional resources, such as extra staff, for certain children with statements of special educational needs. Pupils are not generally taught separately and are included in the mainstream classes.

Special schools

Special schools are attended by children with a statement of special educational needs or and education, health and care plan.

Special schools provide for pupils whose disability requires a more comprehensive approach than a mainstream school or an enhanced-resource school can provide. Some experience of mainstream school may be possible.

We handle admissions for all special schools.

Catholic

If you consider your child Catholic, it means they are also resident in the normal area of a Catholic school. If you are unsure about your child's status regarding the Catholic school serving your area, contact the diocese for advice.

Parent

We use the word parent throughout the guide. It means anyone who has a parental responsibility in accordance with the terms of the Children Act 1989.

A few children with special educational needs require a detailed assessment by us. This was called a statutory assessment of special educational needs, however it is now known as an education, health and care needs assessment. The child's requirements are set out in a document called a statement of special educational needs or education, health and care plan.

Published admission number

The published admission number is the set number of places available at a school.