Different types of Church of England Schools

Voluntary Aided schools

Voluntary Controlled schools

Academies and Free schools

Buildings

Owned by trustees. Capital building work is the responsibility of the governors (supported by grant from the DfE up to 90% of approved expenditure). Playing fields are provided by the LA.

Owned by trustees. All building works funded from LA.

Owned by trustees.
Playing fields usually leased by Academy Trust.

Staff (a) Teaching

Employed by the governors, paid by the LA. Governors may seek evidence of Christian commitment from applicants for teaching posts.

Appointed by the governors, employed and paid by the LA. Governors are bound by LA appointing policies. Governors may satisfy themselves that a candidate for the post of headteacher is suitable to support and develop the ethos of the school.

Employed by the governors.

Staff (b) Support

Employed either by governors or contractors. If employed by governors they are paid by LA.

Employed either by LA or contractors. LA employees usually appointed by governors.

Employed either by governors or contractors.

Worship

Reflects the Anglican tradition and can include worship in the parish church.

RE

Governors determine a syllabus that reflects the Anglican traditions. They usually make use of the diocesan guidelines.

The school must follow the LA syllabus unless the parents request denominational RE. The foundation governors have rights in the appointment of staff (called reserved teachers) to teach denominational RE.

Which syllabus is used will depend on documentation agreed with DfE.

Membership of the Governing body

Church (foundation) governors have a majority of two over all other governors. Parish priest is often an ex officio member of the governing body. All governors combine to elect the Chair.

Church (foundation) governors are in a minority. The parish priest is often an ex officio member of the governing body. All governors combine to elect the Chair.

Depends on documentation agreed with DfE.

Funding

LA formula. Governors' costs for building work from locally raised funds, PCCs, and local trusts. The DBE assists cashflow for building work.

LA formula.

Funded directly from the government.

Admissions

Governors determine the policy and make the decisions. They must consult the LA and all other schools in the area once every seven years (or whenever they propose a change). The LA administers admissions at the start of the year.

The LA is responsible for admissions, but must consult once every seven years (or whenever they propose a change).

The Trust determines the policy and makes the decisions. They must consult the LA and all other schools in the area once every seven years (or whenever they propose a change). The LA administers admissions at the start of the year.

Inspection

OFSTED inspectors look at most issues. SIAMS inspectors inspect RE, worship and school ethos.

OFSTED inspectors look at general issues and RE. SIAMS inspectors inspect worship, ethos and leadership.

OFSTED inspectors look at most issues. SIAMS inspectors inspect worship and school ethos and may inspect RE.