What is the difference between a state school and an independent school?

There are several types of state schools forming what is referred to as the ‘maintained sector’. Essentially, the significant differences between the maintained and independent sector are in funding.

A maintained school is owned and funded by an external body. This is usually the Local Authority for that area, a charitable organisation or a church foundation. Schools in the maintained sector have to deliver the national curriculum.

An independent school is usually funded by fee-paying students and is not maintained by the local authority or central government. Such a school is not required to follow the national curriculum, although the majority do.

For further information please visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools.