State school

State school generally refers to a school offering education to children free of charge. Schools include primary or secondary levels of education. The way in which education can take place without payment of tuition is through funding by the state; hence, the term state school. Funding is largely made possible by taxation; this may comprise the full amount or part of the tuition. The rest of the money may come via subsidies legislated by the state. State school is the terminology used to describe a state-funded free school in the United Kingdom. The same term may apply elsewhere in the world where the state controls the free education of its children. Education is mandatory, and state schools contain rules as to appropriate behavior and tuition requirements. In the United States, the term state school has a different connotation, applying primarily to universities or colleges that are subsidized by the governing state, and, therefore, offer education with affordable tuition rates.

Background

Education in England consists of primary and secondary school for children from five to eleven years of age and from eleven to between sixteen to eighteen years, respectively. State schools are controlled by the local authority and do not require the payment of fees. School textbooks, equipment, and examination fees are covered by the school, and no payment is given by students for such items. School uniforms or garments required for physical education activities are not included with the items provided by the school, and parents need to purchase these. Extra-mural activities after school hours are charged, as are school trips. The alternative is an independent school termed a private or public school, where education tuition is paid by the parents or guardians. Funding for state schools is primarily through taxes paid by the country's citizens. In the United Kingdom, the majority of children attend state schools. The percentage totals approximately 93 percent in England and Wales. Children are generally placed in a state school within close range of their living domain.

In the United States, the term state school does not refer to primary or secondary education, but rather to a tertiary level of education. State school is the colloquial reference for a university or college that is funded by the state or government. Another way to describe a state school in the United States is to call it a public university. Primary or secondary schools in America that are state funded are generally called public schools. The term public school has a different meaning in the United Kingdom where it refers specifically to an exclusive independent fee-paying school.

The range of public colleges and universities in the United States, known as state schools, offer different types of study opportunities. These include liberal arts to extensive research-based institutions. Size may vary from a small college to a large counterpart. The state government attends to the funding of these state schools either through tax money received or via state subsidies, or a combination of both. A student studying at a university within his or her state is usually able to receive tuition at a discounted rate.

Overview

In England, children between the ages of five and sixteen may attend a state school free of charge. The state schools comprise various types such as community schools, foundation schools, academies, and grammar schools. The local council is in charge of community schools. These schools are not affiliated with a particular business or religious group. Foundation schools are state schools with additional freedom regarding the way they are run. Different curriculums may be taught at academies as they are run by a governing body and are not dependent on a local council. The local council or a foundation body or trust runs grammar schools. Grammar schools are more exclusive given the academic level requirements, with acceptance requiring an exam to ascertain academic ability. The national curriculum is adhered to in the majority of state schools. State schools also cater to children with special needs, specifically from the age of eleven or older. These special state schools may focus on one of four categories of special educational needs. The four categories pertain to communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional, and mental health; and sensory and physical needs. Special needs specializations may also include dealing with children on the autism spectrum disorder range. Students with visual impairment or special needs pertaining to speech, language, and communication are also helped.

John O'Farrell, writing for The Guardian, suggests that sending children to a state school gives them the opportunity for the best education. At the same time, he proffers that saving the large amount of money payable to a private school can be utilized to put into an interest-accruing savings account for the children's future. The social interaction between children across the race and class divide offers an opportunity for children to engage in friendships that may not become possible in an elitist atmosphere. O'Farrell comments further that the students gain a deeper understanding of society by meeting and mixing accordingly.

In the United States, a state college or university is funded by the government. These colleges are less expensive than a private university, however students are still expected to cover the tuition. Students may apply for an academic scholarship or financial aid in the form of grants or loans to offset the tuition fee.

In 2025, the University of California Los Angeles was rated by U.S. News & World Report as the best public university in the United States. The University of California Berkeley ranked second. University of Michigan Ann Arbor was third and the University of Virginia came in fourth. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill was fifth. 

Students may choose to attend a private school or university believing the specialization offered is best for them. Alternatively, students may opt for a more affordable educational experience by means of a state-funded college or university without compromising academic input.

Bibliography

"American Government. Who Pays for Education." U.S.history.org, www.ushistory.org/gov/12c.asp. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

O'Farrell, John. "Why I Choose State Education Over Private School." The Guardian, 30 July 2012, www.theguardian.com/education/2012/jul/30/best-educatioon-state-school-not-private. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Paton, Graeme. "Top State Schools 'Flooded’ With Over 1,000 Applications." The Telegraph, 6 Jan. 2013, www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9729674/Top-state-schools-flooded-with-over-1000-applications.html. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Svokos, Alexandra. "The Top Public Colleges Ranked for 2013 by U.S. News & World Report." The Huffington Post. 11 Sept. 2014, www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/11/top-public-colleges-2015-us-news-ranking‗n‗5806072.html. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

"Top Public Schools." US News, 2025, www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/top-public?‗sort=rank&‗sortDirection=asc. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025. 

"Types of School." Gov.UK, www.gov.uk/types-of-school/overview. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.