Schools Differences

Major Differences between categories of Church schools

	Voluntary Aided schools	Voluntary Controlled schools	Foundation schools	Academies
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. All building works funded from LA. Playing fields owned by governors.	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, 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. If employed by governors they are paid by LA.	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.	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. A proportion of foundation governors must also be parents.	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.	Church (foundation) governors may be in a minority or majority. 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 LMS formula. Governors' costs for building work from locally raised funds, PCCs, and local trusts. The DBE assists cashflow for building work.	LA LMS formula.	LA LMS 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 each year (or every other year if conditions are met). The LA administers admissions.	The LA is responsible for admissions, but must consult the governing body each year.	Governors determine the policy and make the decisions. They must consult the LA and all other schools in the area each year (or every other year if conditions are met). The LA administers admissions.	Governors determine the policy and make the decisions. They must consult the LA and all other schools in the area each year (or every other year if conditions are met). The LA administers admissions.
Advice	LA Chief Education Officer and Diocesan Director of Education have right to give advice if agreed in writing by governing body.	LA Chief Education Officer and Diocesan Director of Education have right to give advice if agreed in writing by governing body.	LA Chief Education Officer and Diocesan Director of Education have right to give advice if agreed in writing by governing body.	Can obtain advice from the Diocesan Director of Education.
Inspection	OFSTED/ESTYN inspectors look at most issues. SIAS inspectors inspect RE, worship and school ethos.	OFSTED/ESTYN inspectors look at general issues and RE. SIAS inspectors inspect worship, ethos and leadership.	OFSTED/ESTYN inspectors look at general issues and RE. SIAS inspectors inspect worship, ethos and leadership.	OFSTED/ESTYN inspectors look at most issues. SIAS inspectors inspect worship and school ethos and may inspect RE.