A General Certificate of Education (GCE) A Level is a single subject Level 3 qualification typically taken at age 18 after two years of post-16 study. Students typically take A Levels in 3+ subjects. A Levels are graded A* to E, where A* is the highest grade (U is unclassified). Reformed A Levels designed for the Welsh market were introduced between September 2015 and 2017; they are provided by an external awarding organisation and regulated by Qualifications Wales. They consist of AS and A2 units, with the AS taken after one year of study and contributing 40% of the total marks for that subject.
Additional learning needs (ALN) is defined by the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 as a learning difficulty or disability which calls for additional learning provision to be made for children and young people aged 0 to 25 in early years, schools and further education. A child or young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age; or has a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of facilities for education or training of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or further education institutions. This term is replacing the terms special educational needs (SEN) and learning difficulties and / or disabilities (LDD).
An Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo), as defined by the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, is an appointed member of staff in a maintained school or further education institution who oversees the school’s additional learning needs (ALN) provision. This term is replacing the role of SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
Admission authority
An admission authority is the body that sets the admissions arrangements for a school, in accordance with the School Admissions Code. Depending on the school's legal category, the admission authority may be the governing body or the local authority.
Alternative provider
An alternative provider (AP) is a provider of higher education that is not funded by regular government grants. APs can be for-profit or not-for-profit, and of any corporate form.
Alternative provision (AP)
Alternative provision (AP) is education for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education. It includes education arranged by local authorities for permanently excluded pupils (typically in a school established for that purpose, known as a pupil referral unit (PRU) and education arranged by schools for pupils on a fixed period exclusion. The term EOTAS (education other than at a school) is also used.
AS Level
A General Certificate of Education (GCE) AS Level is a Level 3 single subject qualification typically taken at age 17 after one year of study. AS Levels designed for the Welsh market can be standalone qualifications or, when followed by a further year of study, can contribute towards the award of an A Level. They are provided by an external awarding organisation and regulated by Qualifications Wales. They are graded A to E, where A is the highest grade (U is unclassified).
Attainment target
An attainment target sets out the expected standards of learners’ performance – in terms of the knowledge, skills and understanding that they are expected to acquire – for each strand of each national curriculum subject. Attainment targets are expressed as a series of eight level descriptions of increasing difficulty, with an additional description above Level 8 to help teachers in differentiating exceptional performance.
Awarding organisation
An awarding organisation is a body recognised by the qualifications regulator (Ofqual) for the purpose of developing and awarding qualifications recognising learner achievements. Awarding organisations providing general (academic, rather than vocational) qualifications are often known as exam boards.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor’s degree is a first cycle higher education qualification at Level 6 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
Centre
A centre, sometimes known as an examination centre, conducts examinations and assessments on behalf of an awarding organisation. In most instances, centres are schools and colleges, although they may also be training providers, adult education centres, offender learning units or employers.
Class (of degree)
The class of a degree refers to the grade awarded to a bachelor’s degree. There are four points on the scale: first class; second class, which is subdivided into upper second and lower second; and third class. A bachelor’s degree may also be awarded without honours in which case it is not classified.
Collective worship
An act of collective worship is an act of a reverential or reflective nature that schools are required to provide on a daily basis. In schools with a religious character, collective worship is provided in accordance with the trust deed or religious designation of the school. In schools without a religious character, collective worship should wholly or mainly be of a broadly Christian character, but not denominational. In some schools, collective worship of a Christian character is deemed to be inappropriate for pupils. In such cases, it is possible for the school to apply for a determination for the Christian character requirement to be lifted.
Community school
A community school is a type of maintained school within the framework established by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Community schools are fully funded (by central government) for both revenue (recurrent) and capital expenditure. The school premises (land and buildings) are owned by the local authority, which employs the staff and is the admission authority.
Comprehensive school
A comprehensive school is a secondary school which does not select students on the basis of academic ability. Most secondary schools are comprehensive schools.
Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)
The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) is an umbrella framework of national qualifications, which supports the recognition of qualifications across all levels of the education system. It groups qualifications in Wales according to the same nine levels as the regulated qualifications framework (RQF) used in England and Northern Ireland, running from Entry Level to Level 8. Within each Level, qualifications vary in terms of their purpose and size.
Curriculum
The curriculum, in the sense of the whole school curriculum, comprises all learning and other experiences that each school plans for its pupils. It is shaped by legal requirements for the curriculum, by any trust deed or religious designation of the school, by inspection and accountability frameworks, and by the school’s particular needs and circumstances.
Day nursery
A day nursery is a centre-based setting which provides all-day care for babies and children up to the age of five. Providers include employers, private companies, voluntary organisations and the local authority. Day nurseries usually charge fees but can access government funding for part-time provision for children from age three (age two for disadvantaged children).
Degree Awarding Powers (DAP)
Degree-awarding powers (DAP) are the powers held by a university or other body legally approved to award UK degrees. There are different types of DAP:
- foundation degree awarding powers (FDAP)
- taught degree awarding powers (TDAP), which allow institutions to award bachelor’s degrees and taught master’s degrees
- research degree awarding powers (RDAP), which allow institutions to award research master’s degrees and doctorates.
Devolved administration (DA)
Devolved administration (DA) is a term used to refer to the executive formed by one of the devolved legislatures within the UK: the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Parliament or Northern Ireland. In all cases, the UK Parliament remains sovereign, and retains the power to amend the devolution Acts or to legislate on any matters that have been devolved. That said, the UK Government will not normally introduce legislation on a devolved matter without the consent of the devolved legislature.
Directed time
Directed time is the time when, in accordance with the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), a teacher must be available to carry out duties, including attending staff and parent meetings, under the direction of the headteacher. It amounts to a maximum of 1265 hours in a school year.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a service provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Doctorate
A doctorate is a third-cycle higher education qualification at Level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ). The degree of Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated to PhD (or DPhil in some universities), is awarded for the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, or application of existing knowledge in a new way, at the forefront of an academic discipline, usually through original research. The New Route PhD or integrated PhD combines research with a structured programme of training in research methods and transferable professional skills.
Early years pupil development grant (EYPDG)
The early years pupil development grant (EYPDG) is additional funding given to early years providers to improve outcomes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Education other than at school (EOTAS)
Education other than at school. See the entry for alternative provision.
Entry Level
Entry Level is a Level on the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). Regulated qualifications are grouped into levels on the CQFW - Entry Level to Level 8 - based on their difficulty. Entry Level is further subdivided into Entry 1, 2 and 3 to support learners who have basic skills needs. Examples of qualifications at Entry Level are: Entry Level Award, Certificate and Diploma; Entry Level Essential Skills Wales.
Exclusion
Exclusion is the banning of a pupil from a school on disciplinary grounds. An exclusion can be for a fixed term (sometimes known as suspension) or, less commonly, it can be permanent (sometimes known as expulsion).
Faith school
Faith school is a common term for a school that is designated as having a religious character. Most faith schools are associated with either the Church in Wales (Anglican) or the Roman Catholic church. The religious character may be reflected in the religious education curriculum, admission criteria and staffing policies, provided this does not conflict with other legislation.
Federation
A federation is an arrangement in which maintained schools collaborate formally. Schools in federations continue to be individual schools, keeping their existing legal category and character, but are governed by a single governing body. The ability to establish federations was introduced under section 24 of the Education Act 2002.
Fee and access plan
A fee and access plan (formerly a ‘fee plan’) details the investment a higher education institution (HEI) plans to make in support of equality of opportunity and the promotion of higher education. The plan is also expected to include provisions to support student retention. A fee and access plan is required if the HEI wishes to charge home or EU students more than the basic fee for fee-regulated courses.
Foundation degree
A foundation degree is a short-cycle higher education qualification at Level 5 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ). Foundation degrees are designed with a particular area of work in mind, and are developed with the help of employers from that sector. They aim to equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills for business and cover a wide range of subjects, from engineering to e-commerce and health and social care. They are predominantly delivered through partnerships of further and higher education institutions.
Foundation phase
The Foundation Phase is the statutory curriculum for three- to seven-year-olds, spanning early years education (formerly the foundation stage, ages three to five) and Years 1 and 2 of compulsory education (formerly Key Stage 1), ages 5 to 7. It applies in both maintained schools and settings and in funded non-maintained settings.
Foundation school
A foundation school is a type of maintained school within the framework established by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. It is fully funded by government (through the local authority) for both revenue (recurrent) and capital expenditure. The governing body is the admission authority and employs the staff. Trust schools are a form of foundation school.
Free school meals (FSM)
Free School Meals (FSM) are a statutory benefit available to children from families who receive other qualifying state benefits. Eligibility for free school meals is used as a proxy measure of deprivation.
Further education (FE)
Further education (FE) is education for people over the age of full-time compulsory education (16 years) which does not take place in a secondary school. It is often vocational but also includes general (academic) programmes.
Further education college
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
A General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is a single subject qualification typically taken at age 16 after two years of study in Key Stage 4. Students typically take GCSEs in 8+ subjects. Higher grades are Level 2 qualifications and lower grades are Level 1. GCSEs designed specifically for the Welsh market are graded A* to G, where A* is the highest grade. They are provided by an external awarding organisation and are regulated by Qualifications Wales. (For subjects in which there isn't a Welsh-specific version, GCSEs designed for England that are also available in Wales.)
Governing body
A governing body is a corporate body set up by law to govern a maintained school. It is made up of parent and staff governors, local authority governors and, according to the legal category of school, foundation / trust governors or partnership governors. It has three core functions: setting the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding the headteacher to account; and overseeing financial performance. The governing body operates at a strategic level, leaving the headteacher to be responsible and accountable for the day-to-day operation of the school. The term governing body is also used to refer to the accountable body for other education providers, which may take various constitutional forms.
Graduate
A graduate is a person who holds a bachelor's or higher degree. Graduation is the formal conferment of this award. The term is not generally used to describe successful completion of lower levels of education.
Guided learning hours (GLH)
Guided learning hours (GLH) is an expression of the size of a regulated qualification. Guided learning is defined as time when staff are present to give specific guidance towards a learning aim being studied. This can include lectures, tutorials and supervised study. Ofqual (the regulator) requires that the qualifications it regulates are assigned a value for GLH. GLH can be combined with an estimate of the time a learner will spend in preparation, study and assessment to provide Total Qualification Time (TQT).
Higher degree
A higher degree is a degree above bachelor's level such as a master's degree or doctorate.
Higher education (HE)
Higher education (HE) is defined by the Education Reform Act 1988 as education provided by means of a course of a standard higher than the standard of courses leading to the GCE A Level or Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) National Diploma or Certificate. This definition embraces Levels 4 to 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), including short-cycle qualifications below the level of a bachelor’s degree. Higher education can be provided in different types of institution: in higher education institutions directly funded by government through the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE); in further education institutions; and by alternative providers.
Higher education institution (HEI)
Higher education institution (HEI) is a term from the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. Under the Act, it means any provider which is one or more of the following: a UK university; a higher education corporation; or a designated institution.
Higher National Diploma (HND)
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a vocational higher education qualification designed to teach the skills required in a particular area of work. HNDs are at Level 5 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) and typically take two years of full-time study to complete.
Home education
Home education, sometimes referred to as 'elective home education', is the term used to describe education provided by parents who choose to educate their child at home instead of sending him / her to school.
Honours degree
An honours degree is a bachelor's degree awarded with honours. Most bachelor’s degrees are awarded with honours. A bachelor’s degree awarded without honours is known as a pass degree or ordinary degree.
Independent school
An independent school is a school which is not a maintained school, at which full-time education is provided for five or more pupils of compulsory school age (whether or not such education is already provided for pupils over or under that age). Independent schools do not receive any public funding. They are commonly known as ‘private schools’, and may also be known as ‘public schools’.
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
An Individual Development Plan (IDP), as defined by the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 is a single, statutory plan which is replacing the variety of statutory and non-statutory plans for learners in schools and further education with special educational needs (SEN) and learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD).
Induction
ISCED
The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) was developed by UNESCO to facilitate comparisons of education statistics and indicators across countries on the basis of uniform and internationally agreed definitions. It was revised in 1997 and 2011. ISCED is the organising framework used for Eurydice system descriptions and comparative studies. To see how this framework applies to education in Wales see the overview.
Key stage
A key stage is one of the blocks of years into which the National Curriculum for Wales is divided. The key stages are defined according to the age of the majority of the pupils in a teaching group. They are:
- Key Stage 2 for ages 7-11
- Key Stage 3 for ages 11-14
- Key Stage 4 for ages 14-16.
Key Stage 2 is preceded by the Foundation Phase for three- to seven-year-olds.
Learning Difficulties and / or disabilities (LDD)
The term ‘learning difficulty’ is being replaced by ‘Additional Learning Needs (ALN)’ following the passing of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018.
Lecturer
A lecturer is a member of the academic staff at a higher education institution. A lecturer holds teaching and administrative responsibilities and undertakes their own research.
Level
Level 1
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 1 on the CQFW are: GCSE (grades D-G); Level 1 Essential Skills Wales.
Level 2
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 2 on the CQFW are: GCSE(grades A*-C); Level 2 Essential Skills Wales.
Level 3
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 3 on the CQFW are: AS and A Level; Level 3 Essential Skills Wales.
Level 4
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 3 on the CQFW are: Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education; BTEC Professional Award, Certificate and Diploma Level 4.
Level 5
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 5 on the CQFW are: HND; Foundation degree.
Level 6
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but the size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 6 on the CQFW are: bachelor’s degree; Level 6 Award, Certificate and Diploma.
Level 7
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from Entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 7 on the CQFW are: master’s degree; Level 7 Award, Certificate and Diploma.
Level 8
General and vocational qualifications are grouped into Levels, from entry Level to Level 8. Qualifications at the same level are similar in terms of their difficulty, but their size and content can vary. Examples of qualifications at Level 8 on the CQFW are: doctorate; Level 8 Award, Certificate and Diploma.
Linear qualifications
A linear qualification is one which is designed to be assessed at the end of the programme. Linear qualifications can be contrasted with modular qualifications, in which learning is broken down into units or modules designed to be assessed separately.
Local authority (LA)
In the context of education legislation, a local authority is the tier of local government with responsibility for education for children and young people from 0 to 19. Formerly, the function of the local authority in respect of education was described by the term 'local education authority' (LEA).
Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
A Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a voluntary partnership between a local authority and businesses, established to determine local economic priorities and lead economic growth in its area. There are 39 LEPs in England. They were first established in 2011 by the then Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Looked after child (LAC)
A looked after child (LAC), under the terms of the Children Act 1989, is a child who is in the care of the local authority. Looked after children include children who are accommodated by the local authority under a voluntary agreement with their parents; children who are the subject of a care order; and children who are the subject of an emergency order for their protection.
Maintained school
A maintained school is a school funded via the local authority using grants from the Welsh Government. Maintained schools include several different legal categories of school including community schools, voluntary aided schools, voluntary controlled schools and foundation schools.
Master's degree
A master’s degree is a second cycle higher education qualification at Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ). Master’s degrees, such as MSc and MA, are awarded after completion of taught courses or programmes of research, or a combination of both.
Modular qualification
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) existed alongside the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)across England, Wales and Northern Ireland until they were withdrawn in October 2015. In Wales, there was also an umbrella framework, the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). In England and Northern Ireland, the NQF and QCF were replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), while in Wales, the CQFW continues in use and articulates with the RQF.
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a work-based qualification developed using agreed sector-wide standards.
Newly qualified teacher (NQT)
A newly qualified teacher (NQT) is a teacher who has Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) but who has not yet completed the statutory induction period.
Non-departmental public body (NDPB)
A non-departmental public body (NDPB) is an organisation (or body) which plays a role in the processes of national government, but is removed from Ministers as it does not form part of a government department.
Nursery school
A maintained nursery school (usually referred to simply as a nursery school) is a publicly funded standalone school catering for children aged from two or three to five. The term nursery school is also used by independent early years education providers. Independent nursery schools charge fees but can access government funding for part-time provision for children from age three (two for disadvantaged children).
Playgroup
See pre-school.
Post-1992 university
A post-1992 university is a university that gained university status as a result of the provisions of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
Postgraduate
A postgraduate is a student following a postgraduate programme. A postgraduate programme is a higher education programme which normally requires a bachelor's degree as a condition of entry. Postgraduate programmes include not only programmes leading to a higher degree such as a master’s degree or a doctorate, but also advanced short courses which often form parts of continuing professional development programmes and which lead to a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma.
Pre-1992 university
A pre-1992 university is a higher education institution (HEI) which had university status before the provisions of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 came into force.
Pre-school
A pre-school is an early years education setting run by a community / voluntary group, parents themselves, or privately. Pre-schools charge fees but can access government funding for part-time provision for children from age three (two for disadvantaged children). Similar settings may be known as playgroups or nurseries.
Primary school
A primary school is a school catering for children who are approaching or have reached the compulsory school starting age of 5, up to the age of 11. Primary schools provide the Foundation Phase (ISCED 0 and 1) and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum for Wales (ISCED 1). Many primary schools also provide a nursery class (Foundation Phase, ISCED 0), for younger children.
Private school
See independent school.
Privy Council
The Privy Council is a senior UK government committee which has a role in areas of higher education, including approving the use of the word ‘university’ (including ‘university college’) in the title of a higher education institution, and approving an institution as competent to grant degrees.
Professor
A professor is a member of the academic staff at a higher education institution. The title of ‘professor’ may be awarded to a member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution to original research over a significant period of time, and is widely and internationally recognised as a distinguished authority in their field.
Programme of study
In the context of the Nautional Curriculum for Wales, a programme of study sets out the subject content (matter, skills and processes) for those subjects that should be taught to all pupils, organised on the basis of key stages. It defines outcomes, level descriptions and attainment targets. It does not prescribe teaching time.
Protected characteristic
A protected characteristic is a category protected under the Equality Act 2010. The following are the protected characteristics to which the Act applies: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. The Act seeks to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.
Public school
See independent school.
Publicly funded school
A publicly funded school, sometimes referred to as a ‘state school’, is legally a maintained school. Publicly funded schools receive full funding for all students and may not charge fees.
Pupil development grant (PDG)
The pupil development grant (PDG) is funding given to schools to improve outcomes for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The grant aims to support children who are eligible for free school meals and looked after children to overcome the additional barriers they face which prevent them from achieving their full potential.
Pupil referral unit (PRU)
A pupil referral unit (PRU) is a unit that provides education for pupils whose main education is other than at school. Legally a type of school, PRUs are intended to provide short-, medium- or long-term placements with a view to reintegrating pupils, as soon as practicable, in a primary, secondary or special school or to prepare pupils for transition to further education, training or employment.
Qualification
A qualification is an award made to a learner attesting to validated attainment. Qualifications may be either general (academic) or vocational.
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) was a credit transfer system which recognised qualifications and units by awarding credits. It existed alongside the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland until October 2015. In Wales, there was also an umbrella framework, the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). In England and Northern Ireland, the NQF and QCF were replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), while in Wales, the CQFW continues in use and articulates with the RQF.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a professional accreditation based on standards set by the Welsh Government which define the minimum level of practice expected of teachers. QTS is mandatory for appointment as a qualified teacher in a maintained school. Most initial teacher training programmes leading to QTS also lead to an academic qualification such as the PGCE or Bachelor of Education (BEd).
Reader
A reader is a member of the academic staff at a higher education institution. The title of ‘reader’ may be awarded as a mark of personal distinction to a senior member of staff who has made a distinguished contribution to the advancement of their discipline, by way of original research and/or innovative application.
Reception class
A reception class (ISCED 0)is the first class of primary school for children aged four to five. Most children are admitted in the September after their fourth birthday and spend a full year in reception. However, children may be admitted at different points in the school year depending on age and parental preference, as education is compulsory from the start of the school term following a child’s fifth birthday, not from the start of the academic year.
Regional education consortium
A regional education consortium is a grouping of local authorities working collaboratively to share good practice, knowledge, skills and services to improve education standards. Four regional consortia were established in Wales in 2012.
Research council
A research council is one of the seven subject-specific councils funded by the UK Government to support research in their own establishments and to fund research projects in universities on a UK-wide basis. The research councils were brought under a single strategic research body, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
Secondary school
A secondary school is a school catering for children and young people who are aged 11 to 16 or 18/19. Secondary schools provide Key Stages 3 and 4 of the national curriculum and often also provide education for students aged 16 to 18/19 years in units known as ‘sixth forms’.
SENCO
The term special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) is being replaced, following the passing of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, by the term Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo).
Sixth-form college
A sixth-form college is a type of further education college that offers only full-time education for 16- to 18/19-year-olds. There is only one sixth-form college in Wales.
Sixth form
Sixth form is a term that may be used to describe full-time education for young people aged 16 to 18/19 when provided in a school or a sixth-form college. The two years of study are also referred to as Year 12 and Year 13.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The term special educational needs (SEN) is being replaced by the term additional learning needs (ALN). This follows the passing of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018.
Special school
A special school provides education for children whose additional learning needs (ALN) cannot be met satisfactorily in a mainstream school. Special schools are generally much smaller than mainstream schools and may have pupils ranging in age from nursery age to over 16.
State school
Statement of special educational needs (SEN)
Statements of special educational needs (SEN) are being replaced, following the passing of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, by Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Student support
Student support is the term used to refer to financial support for higher education students' tuition fees and living costs, provided in the form of grants and loans provided by government.
Supply teacher
A supply teacher is a teacher appointed on a temporary contract to cover for an absent teacher.
Teaching assistant
A teaching assistant works alongside a teacher in the classroom, helping pupils with their learning on an individual or group basis. Job titles and roles vary and can include specialised pupil support roles for pupils with special educational needs or for pupils who are not making expected progress. Higher level teaching assistants undertake an extended role, e.g. they may plan and deliver learning activities under the direction of a teacher.
Teaching fellow
A teaching fellow is a member of the academic staff at a higher education institution. A teaching fellow may have the same teaching and administrative duties as a lecturer, but does not necessarily undertake research.
Tiering
Tiering is a design feature that can be used for qualifications designed for a wide ability range. For example, mathematics GCSE have three tiers of entry: higher, intermediate and foundation. There are different exams for different tiers and these are used to award overlapping ranges of grades. There are some common questions to help ensure that it is no more or less difficult to achieve the same grade on different tiers.
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
Total Qualification Time (TQT) is a measure of the notional size of a qualification. It comprises two elements:
- guided learning hours (GLH)
- an estimate of the number of hours a learner will spend in preparation, study and assessment.
Qualifications Wales (the regulator) requires that the qualifications it regulates are assigned a value for TQT.
Trust school
See foundation school.
Undergraduate
An undergraduate is a higher education student who has not yet taken a first degree. Undergraduate programmes include bachelor's degrees and foundation degrees.
University
The right to use the title 'university' is regulated by law. There are eight universities in Wales, alongside the Open University in Wales.
Vice-Chancellor
A Vice-Chancellor is the lead academic and administrative officer at a university. The Vice-Chancellor’s main responsibilities include providing leadership, representing the university externally, ensuring that the university has a secure financial base, and carrying out certain ceremonial duties.
Voluntary aided school
A voluntary aided (VA) school is a type of maintained school within the framework established by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Most VA schools are designated as having a religious character. They are owned either by school trustees or by the founding body of the school (such as the Church of England, the Catholic Church, or other faiths). Within the governing body, the Church or Foundation governors form a majority. The governing body employs the staff and is the admission authority. VA schools receive full funding for revenue expenditure, but may be expected to contribute a small proportion of capital costs.
Voluntary controlled school
A voluntary controlled (VC) school is a type of maintained school within the framework established by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Most VC schools are designated as having a religious character. They are owned either by school trustees or by the founding body of the school (such as the Church of England, the Catholic Church or other faiths). Within the governing body, no one group of governors is in a majority. The local authority (LA) employs the staff and is the admission authority. VC schools receive full funding for revenue (recurrent) and capital expenditure from central government (via the LA).
Article last reviewed October 2019.