The School System in England: a vision for Scotland?

by Ann Ballinger, Former General Secretary of the SSTA

A number of Tory MPs have recently stated their desire for Scottish Education to become part of the English educational system. I thought it might be helpful to take a look at how schools in England operate.

First, and perhaps most important difference, is that some English schools follow a National Curriculum (NC) but a surprising number can amend the curriculum, and for a wide variety of reasons.

Community schools are Comprehensives controlled by the local council and follow the NC. They will all have a Board of Governors who make a variety of admin decisions like appointing new staff but do not alter the curriculum.

Free Schools are all-ability schools funded by the Government but run by a Charity, community group, faith group or business. The Governors can change the length of the school day and term, set different pay…