Types of schools, age and status

Types of schools

• Infant schools for pupils aged four to seven (some have nurseries for three to four year olds)
• Junior schools for pupils aged seven to 11
• All through primary schools for pupils aged four to 11
• Secondary schools for pupils aged 11 to 16 (some secondary schools have sixth forms for 16 to 18 year olds)
• All through schools for pupils aged four to 16

School status

• Academies - set up by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups. They are independently managed. They work in partnership with the Department for Education and the local authority. An Academy Trust is the admission authority for the school
• Community schools - maintained by Hampshire County Council as the local authority. Hampshire County Council is the admission authority
• Community special schools - for children with special educational needs, maintained by Hampshire County Council. Children are placed in the school by the County's Special Education Needs (SEN) team. Children attending these schools usually have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Federations - when two or more schools formally agree to share a governing body and work together to raise standards
• Foundation schools - maintained by Hampshire County Council as the local authority. The governors are the admission authority for the school
• Free schools - a state funded independent school, free from local authority control
• Trust schools - a local authority maintained foundation school supported by a charitable Trust
• Voluntary aided - maintained by Hampshire County Council as the local authority. The governors are the admission authority for the school
• Voluntary controlled - maintained by Hampshire County Council as the local authority. Hampshire County Council is the admission authority

University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools

University technical colleges (UTCs) and studio schools are government-funded secondary schools, designed for children aged 14-19.

University technical colleges specialise in subjects like engineering and construction - and teach these subjects along with business skills and using IT. Pupils study academic subjects as well as practical subjects leading to technical qualifications. The curriculum is designed by the university and employers, who also provide work experience for students. Find out more about UTCs.

Studio schools are small schools (usually with around 300 pupils) teaching mainstream qualifications through project-based learning. This means working in realistic situations as well as learning academic subjects. Students work with local employers and a personal coach, and follow a curriculum designed to give them the skills and qualifications they need in work, or to take up further education. Find out more about Studio Schools.

There are no UTCs or Studio Schools in Hampshire but there are some within the surrounding area that may be within travelling distance, as shown below. More information about these schools and how to apply can be found on their website. If you are asked to apply through your local authority, email [email protected] to request an application form.

Children can join UTC Reading and UTC Portsmouth from Year 10 and LEAF Studio School from Year 9.