ABSTRACT
There is considerable diversity in the methods of educating children in Britain today and the regulatory background surrounding each type of education, and funding available to it, is often complex. Information on this, particularly where it relates to state schools, voluntary aided schools and grant maintained schools will be given in this section. Legislation clarifying how schools and other educational providers are categorized, governed and funded is to be introduced by the New Labour Government. In the White Paper, Framework for the Organisation of Schools three types of school are mentioned – Community, Foundation and Aided. These categories will supersede all existing types of mainstream school-county, voluntary aided, voluntary controlled, special agreement and grant maintained. There will also be a separate category of community special schools. There will be flexibility for schools to choose which option is best suited to them. Schools with a religious character, where the foundation and assets are not owned by the LEA, are likely to choose to become foundation or aided schools.
