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. Catholic schools are voluntary aided schools.
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.
Mainstream schools
Community and voluntary controlled, voluntary aided, foundation schools and academies are called mainstream schools.
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 statements of special educational needs. 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.
Normal area
The normal area is a defined geographical area, made up of the area around the school, which the school serves. You'll be advised of your normal area school if you apply online or by phone. You can find out what your normal area school is. You can also find out from us, email: admissions.transport@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 537479.
Catholic
If you consider your child Catholic, it means they are also resident in the normal area of a Catholic school. If you're unsure about your child's status regarding the Catholic school serving your area, contact the diocese for advice. The telephone numbers are on the useful contacts page.
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.
Statement of special educational needs or an EHC
A few children with special educational needs require a detailed assessment by us. This is called a statutory assessment of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan (EHC). The child's requirements are set out in a document called a statement of special educational needs or an EHC.
Published admission number
The published admission number is the set number of places available at a school.