Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

What is the difference between a community school, a controlled school and a voluntary-aided (church) school?

All of these schools are maintained by the local authority but the admission arrangements are different.

Community schools and controlled schools
We decide on admissions to community and controlled schools. For admission to a controlled school, you can apply for religious reasons. We may need a letter of support from your parish priest or vicar.

There is an Admissions Officer you can contact on 01642 526605 or email or write to us using the link on the right hand side.

Voluntary-aided (church) schools
The school's governing body controls the admission of pupils to a voluntary-aided school. These schools have their own admission arrangements but with the introduction of co-ordinated admissions, all applications must be made through the Local Authority.

Academies                                                                                                         Academies are publically funded independent schools. The Academies Governing Body controls the admission of pupils and have their own admission arrangements. Academies are also part of the LA's co-ordinated admission arrangements. All applications for school places will be made through the LA.