Types of schools

East Sussex has a wide range of schools in addition to government or state-funded (or ‘maintained’) schools. They all offer education to children of all abilities. Some schools set their own admission arrangements. It is important to check this before applying.

East Sussex has no grammar schools.

Academy schools

Academies are all-ability schools set up by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups. They are not maintained by the local authority. They are independent schools funded by central government. The Academy Trust set their own admission arrangements and decide how they admit pupils.

Community schools and voluntary controlled schools

The local authority (East Sussex County Council) is responsible for school admissions. It decides how to admit pupils. The headteacher and governors manage community and voluntary controlled schools in partnership with the local authority. Voluntary controlled schools have links to the Church of England.

Free schools

Free schools are non-profit making, independent, state-funded schools for children of all abilities. The governors set their own admission arrangements and decide how they admit pupils and what they teach.

Trust schools

Trust schools are run by their own governing body but have formed a charitable trust with an external partner – for example, a business or educational charity – aiming to raise standards. The governors set their own admission arrangements and decide how pupils are admitted.

Voluntary aided church schools

Voluntary aided church schools set their own admission arrangements and decide how they admit pupils. The governing body contributes to building and maintenance costs.

In many cases the governors ask parents to complete a supplementary information form (SIF) as well as the school application form. This enables schools to rank applications against their admissions criteria.

They normally give priority to parents who can demonstrate a commitment to the religious faith of the school.

Special schools and specialist facilities

We are fully committed to inclusion. Most children with special educational needs, and many children with an Education, Health and Care plan, go to mainstream schools. 

Some children with SEN and complex needs go to specialist facilities in mainstream schools or special schools.

This placement would normally be named in the child’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

There are also special schools for children in certain circumstances.

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