Common Terms You Might Hear at Open Days
Navigating the UK education system – especially the independent (private) school and college sector – can sometimes feel like learning a new language. From curriculum acronyms to admissions jargon used at open days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This glossary is designed to give you a clear, professional overview of the most common terms you’re likely to hear, so you can engage confidently with schools and ask informed questions.
Whether you’re attending your first open day, comparing shortlists, or preparing for admissions assessments, understanding the terminology will help you make confident decisions about your child’s education.
Terminology
Key UK School Terms Explained
1. Independent School / Private School
Schools that charge fees rather than being funded by the government. They are independent of local authority control and usually have their own admissions criteria, fee structure, and sometimes their own curriculum and timetable. Some are charitable trusts.
2. Public School
A historic term used in the UK to describe certain long-established, prestigious independent boarding schools (e.g. Eton, Harrow). Despite the name, these are fee-paying schools.
3. State School
A school funded by the government and free to attend. Admissions are usually overseen by the local authority and often based on catchment area, oversubscription criteria, and published admission arrangements.
4. Academy
A state-funded school that is independent of local authority control and run by an academy trust. Academies have more flexibility over curriculum, term dates and staffing than traditional maintained schools.
5. Free School
A type of academy set up by groups such as charities, trusts, or parent groups. Free schools are state-funded, do not charge fees, and have greater freedom over how they are run.
6. Grammar School
A state secondary school that selects some or all of its pupils on academic ability, usually via an entrance exam (often referred to as the 11+).
7. Comprehensive School
A non-selective state secondary school that admits pupils of all abilities, usually based on local area and oversubscription criteria rather than academic selection.
8. Primary, Secondary and “All-through” Schools
Primary School – For ages roughly 4–11 (Reception to Year 6).
Secondary School – For ages roughly 11–16 or 11–18 (Year 7 upwards).
All-through / Through School – Educates pupils from primary through to secondary (for example, ages 3–18) on one or multiple linked sites.
9. Prep School / Pre-Prep / Junior
Prep (Preparatory) School – An independent school preparing pupils for entry to senior schools, often up to age 11 or 13.
Pre-Prep – The early years and infant stage (typically ages 3–7).
Junior School – The primary section of a larger all-through or independent school.
10. Boarding School
A school where pupils live on-site during term time. Common models include:
Full boarding – Pupils stay throughout the week and weekends.
Weekly boarding – Pupils stay at school during the week and go home at weekends.
Flexi-boarding – Flexible nights in boarding, often used alongside day attendance.
11. Day School
A school where pupils attend during the day and return home each evening. Many independent schools offer both day and boarding options.
12. Co-educational (Co-ed) and Single-Sex
Co-educational (Co-ed) – Boys and girls educated together.
Single-Sex School – Educates only boys or only girls. Some schools are single-sex in the lower years and co-ed in Sixth Form.
Curriculum, Qualifications & Stages
13. National Curriculum
The framework followed by most state schools in England, setting out what children should be taught in each subject and key stage.
14. Key Stages (KS1–KS5)
The phases of education used in England:
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Age 0–5 (Nursery & Reception)
Key Stage 1 (KS1) – Years 1–2 (ages 5–7)
Key Stage 2 (KS2) – Years 3–6 (ages 7–11)
Key Stage 3 (KS3) – Years 7–9 (ages 11–14)
Key Stage 4 (KS4) – Years 10–11 (ages 14–16, GCSE years)
Key Stage 5 (KS5) – Years 12–13 (ages 16–18, Sixth Form)
15. GCSE
General Certificate of Secondary Education – Qualifications usually taken at the end of Year 11 (age 16). Results are a key factor for progression into Sixth Form or college.
16. IGCSE
International GCSE – An international form of GCSE often used in independent schools, with slightly different assessment structures.
17. A-levels
Advanced Level qualifications typically taken over two years in Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13). Students usually specialise in three or four subjects. A-levels are a major route into UK universities.
18. IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a globally recognised alternative to A-levels. Students study six subjects plus core components (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS), emphasising breadth, critical thinking and international outlook.
19. BTEC / Vocational Qualifications
Practical, career-focused qualifications often taken in further education colleges or some Sixth Forms. BTECs and similar qualifications can lead to university, apprenticeships, or employment.
20. T Levels
Newer technical qualifications in England for 16–19-year-olds, combining classroom learning with an industry placement, equivalent in size to three A-levels.
21. EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
An additional qualification where students undertake an in-depth research project. Highly regarded by many universities, it develops independent study and research skills.
Special Educational Needs, Support & Inclusion
22. SEN / SEND
Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – Terms used to describe children who require additional support due to learning differences, medical needs or disabilities.
23. SENCo / SENDCo
Special Educational Needs (and Disabilities) Co-ordinator – The member of staff responsible for overseeing support, provision and planning for pupils with SEN/SEND.
24. EHCP
Education, Health and Care Plan – A legal document for children and young people with significant additional needs, outlining the support they must receive across education, health and care.
25. Inclusive Education
An approach where pupils of all abilities and backgrounds learn together, with appropriate support, adjustments and differentiation to ensure access to learning.
26. EAL / ESL
English as an Additional Language (EAL) – Support provided to pupils whose first language is not English; sometimes referred to as ESL (English as a Second Language).
Pastoral Care, Welfare & School Life
27. Pastoral Care
The systems and staff responsible for pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour, mental health and personal development. This may involve form tutors, Heads of Year, school counsellors and pastoral leads.
28. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The senior member of staff with overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection in the school.
29. Tutor Group / Form Group
A small group of pupils assigned to a particular tutor or form teacher, who oversees their day-to-day pastoral care, attendance and academic progress.
30. House System
Many UK schools, particularly independent schools, divide pupils into “houses” for pastoral support, competitions and community-building. You may hear references to House points, House competitions, or House tutors.
31. Co-curricular & Extra-curricular Activities
Terms used for clubs, societies, sports, music, drama and enrichment activities that sit alongside the formal curriculum.
Co-curricular – Closely linked to the curriculum.
Extra-curricular – Additional interests beyond academic lessons.
32. Wraparound Care / Before- and After-School Care
Extended provision outside the normal school day, such as breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday clubs – especially important for working parents.
Admissions, Assessments & Open Days
33. Open Day / Open Evening / Taster Day
Events where families visit the school, meet staff and pupils, tour facilities and hear from the Head or senior leaders.
Open Day / Evening – General showcase event.
Taster Day – A day where your child experiences lessons and activities as if they were already a pupil.
34. Common Entrance & Entrance Exams
Common Entrance – A standardised set of exams (often at 11+ or 13+) used by many independent senior schools for admission.
Entrance Exam / Assessment – The specific tests and activities set by a school (e.g. maths, English, reasoning, interviews, group tasks).
35. 11+, 13+ and 16+ Entry
Common entry points to selective schools:
11+ – Entry into Year 7 (age 11).
13+ – Entry into Year 9 (age 13).
16+ – Entry into Sixth Form (Year 12).
36. Catchment Area
A defined geographic area around a state school. Living within the catchment can increase the likelihood of being offered a place.
37. Oversubscribed, Waiting List & Appeals
Oversubscribed – The school has more applications than places.
Waiting List – A list of applicants who may be offered a place if one becomes available.
Appeals – A formal process where parents can challenge a refusal of a school place (mainly in the state sector).
38. Scholarships & Bursaries
Scholarships – Awards given for exceptional ability (academic, music, sport, art, drama, etc.). May reduce fees but are not always large.
Bursaries – Means-tested financial assistance based on family income and circumstances. Designed to make fee-paying education more accessible.
39. Registration Fee & Acceptance Deposit
Registration Fee – A non-refundable fee paid when you apply or register interest with an independent school.
Acceptance Deposit – A sum paid when you accept an offer of a place; usually refunded when your child leaves, subject to the school’s terms and conditions.
Leadership, Inspection & Standards
40. Headteacher / Head / Principal
The overall leader of the school. In independent schools this may be styled as Head, Headmaster/Headmistress or Principal.
41. Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
The group of senior staff (e.g. Head, Deputy Heads, Bursar, Heads of Section) responsible for strategic leadership and management.
42. Ofsted / ISI
Ofsted – The Office for Standards in Education, which inspects and regulates most state schools and some independent schools in England.
ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) – Inspects many independent schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council.
43. School Inspection Reports
Published reports following inspections, providing judgements on areas such as quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and safeguarding.
School Structure & Calendar
44. Term, Half-term & INSET Day
Term – The main teaching periods in the school year (usually three per year: Autumn, Spring, Summer).
Half-term – A short break in the middle of each term.
INSET Day – A staff training day when pupils do not attend school.
45. Pastoral vs Academic Staff
Academic Staff – Teachers responsible for subject teaching and academic progress.
Pastoral Staff – Staff focused on wellbeing, behaviour and support (though roles often overlap).
STEM, Focus Areas & School Ethos
46. STEM-Focused
A school or curriculum with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, often using project-based learning and real-world problem-solving.
47. Selective, Partially Selective and Non-Selective
Selective – Admits pupils based on academic ability or aptitude.
Partially Selective – Reserves a proportion of places for selected pupils (e.g. music, sport, aptitude) and the rest based on other criteria.
Non-Selective – Does not select primarily on academic ability; admissions may be based on location, siblings, faith, or other criteria.
UCAS & Beyond School
48. UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – the central online system used for applying to most UK universities. Many schools offer structured UCAS guidance to Sixth Form students.
49. Careers Guidance / Higher Education (HE) Guidance
Support offered to students in exploring university courses, apprenticeships, gap years and career pathways, often including work experience and interview preparation.
Why Understanding the Terminology Matters
When you’re familiar with the language schools use, you will:
- Ask sharper, more targeted questions at open days and tours
- Compare schools and curricula on a like-for-like basis
- Understand admissions routes, assessments and support options
- Feel more confident making decisions that are right for your child and your family
Explore more guides and resources on schoolopendays.co.uk to stay informed, organised and empowered throughout your school search and admissions journey.