There are a number of different types of schools in Surrey covering the different stages of education. These are:

Academy Schools (A)

These are state-funded, non fee-paying independent schools set up under a Funding Agreement between the Secretary of State and the Academy Trust. The Academy Trust is responsible for school admissions and decides how pupils are admitted.

Community schools (C)

The Local Authority is responsible for school admissions and decides how pupils are admitted.

Voluntary Controlled Schools (VC)

These are schools that are maintained by the Local Authority. They have close links with the church authorities, but only some of the governing body are appointed by the religious foundation. The Local Authority is responsible for school admissions and decides how pupils are admitted.

Voluntary Aided schools (VA)

These schools are maintained by the Local Authority but are strongly supported by the church authorities (usually Church of England or Roman Catholic). The school's governing body is responsible for school admissions and decides how pupils are admitted.

Foundation schools (F)

Foundation schools are state funded schools that are run by their own governing body. The school's governing body is responsible for school admissions and decides how pupils are admitted.

Trust schools (T)

A trust school is a type of foundation school which forms a charitable trust with an outside partner. The school's governing body is responsible for school admissions and decides how pupils are admitted.

Special schools, Centres or Units

The Local Authority have a number of specialist units for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs whose needs are too severe or complex for them to be educated in a mainstream school. For further details, please see our information about school age children with special educational needs.

Independent schools

Also known as private or fee-paying schools. For a list of Independent schools contact Independent Schools Council (ISC) on 020 7798 1560 or Department for Educationon 020 7925 5555.

Residential Schools

There are a few of these schools within Surrey County Council. Please ask the contact centreon 0300 200 1004 for more information.

Specialist Schools

Many schools can have specialist status. Though they follow the National Curriculum, specialist schools focus on a particular subject area. Examples include sports, technology or visual arts.