Glossary

Academies are publicly funded independent schools. Academies have different governance arrangements from other schools

A committee of the trust board in a multi academy trust (MAT). The role and responsibility of any committee is defined in the MAT’s scheme of delegation

A school which converted to academy status voluntarily (usually high performing at the time of conversion), having previously been a local authority maintained school

A school which converted to academy status with the support of a sponsor (usually lower performing at the time of conversion)

A document providing statutory guidance on school admissions with which all schools must comply

General Certificate of Education Advanced level – usually completed by some 16-18 year-olds after GCSE

The formal governing document for an academy that sets out its rules for operating, including the composition of the governing board

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) - the leading professional association and trade union for all school and college leaders. 

Analyse School Performance – a new service, providing schools and other existing user groups with detailed performance analysis to support local school improvement as a replacement for RAISEonline

A common phrase to describe changes to the primary curriculum. Grade descriptions and levels have been removed from the national curriculum and it is up to primary schools to decide how they track pupil progress and attainment. Children will still sit SATs exams in KS1 and KS2 as a national benchmark, however they will no longer be given a grade. Instead, they will be given a scaled score, with a score of 100 or above showing that a pupil has met national expectations