Frequently Asked Questions - and Acronyms Guide
The NGA has produced this guide to help governors and others navigate
the complexities of the education world, with its specialist terms and
abbreviations.
K-O
Key Stages (KS1-4)
For curriculum purposes, pupils are divided into age groups, called Key Stages. Different subjects will be taught at different Key Stages and at the end of each Key Stage pupils will be formally assessed through Standard Attainment Tests. The key stages are KS1 (age 5-7), KS2 (age 7-11), KS3 (age 11-14), KS4 (age 14-16).
Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
The LSC is responsible for planning and funding education provision for adults and young people over the age of 16 (not in schools) in England.
Local Authority (LA)
Local authorities (LAs) are part of local councils, i.e. borough, county, metropolitan and city. Within local councils, LAs are accountable for early years education, schools, adult education and youth services. Community, foundation and voluntary schools are funded directly by their LA.
Mainstream
Schools that admit children with the normal range of abilities.
MLD
Moderate Learning Difficulties. Pupils diagnosed with MLD are usually taught in mainstream schools.
National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
One of the teaching unions. The NAHT represents school leaders, particularly headteachers, deputy headteachers and assistant headteachers.
National Association of School Masters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT)
One of the teaching unions.
National College for School Leadership
The NCSL is the national training organisation for school leadership in England. The NCSL co-ordinates the NPQH programme for aspirant headteachers.
National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA)
The NCPTA is the membership organisation for parent teacher associations and other home/school groups. It provides advice and guidance on issues as fundraising.
National Council for Educational Excellence
The Council has been set up by Government to drive forward its long term plans for education. The Council will be chaired by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. Its members come from business, the university and voluntary sectors and school leaders.
National Curriculum (NC)
The National Curriculum sets out what subjects pupils must be taught. Pupils are taught different subjects depending on their age.
National Governors’ Association (NGA)
The national membership organisation for school governors. The NGA produces publications and guidance to inform school governors. We also consult school governors on educational issues and ensure that the views of governors are represented at the highest level of government.
National Union of Teachers (NUT)
One of the teaching unions.
NPQH
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) prepares teachers for the role of headship. It is a benchmark qualification, underpinned by the National Standards for Headteachers.
NQT – Newly Qualified Teacher
NRwS – New Relationship with Schools
A government initiative to attempt to reduce workload by reducing the external demands made on schools by government agencies.
Ofsted
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. The body responsible for inspecting and reporting on schools and inspection and regulating care for children and young people.
Over subscribed
A school that has more applications from parents than places available. See Admissions (Code of Practice).