What Is a Charter School? | Education Explained

Charter schools are a type of publicly funded school that operates independently from many of the regulations that apply to traditional state schools. While common in countries like the United States, charter schools are not part of the mainstream education system in the UK. This article explains clearly what charter schools are, how they work, who attends them, and how they differ from other schools.

What Is a Charter School?

A charter school is a publicly funded school that is run independently of the local education authority. It operates under a “charter” or contract that sets out its mission, programme, and goals. Charter schools often have more freedom to innovate in teaching methods, curriculum design, and school management.

Who Attends Charter Schools?

Charter schools are open to all students, but they often have an application process and may use lotteries if demand exceeds places. They serve diverse communities and aim to provide high-quality education alternatives.

How Do Charter Schools Differ From Traditional Public Schools?

Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools have greater autonomy and flexibility. They are held accountable for achieving specific educational outcomes laid out in their charter. If they fail to meet standards, they can be closed.

Are There Charter Schools in the UK?

Charter schools are not part of the UK education system. Instead, the UK has academies and free schools, which share some similarities in terms of independence but operate under different frameworks.

Advantages and Criticisms

Charter schools are praised for innovation and parental choice but criticised for potentially increasing inequality and lacking consistent oversight.