State Schools - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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What are state schools?

In IGCSE Sociology, state schools are educational institutions funded and operated by the government, providing free education to children. In sociology, state schools are studied as part of the education system, highlighting how they aim to offer equal learning opportunities regardless of a student’s social class, gender, or ethnicity. 

State schools follow a national curriculum set by the government and are accountable for maintaining certain educational standards. However, sociologists also examine how factors such as gender, ethnicity, socio-economic backgrounds, and teacher expectations can influence student achievement and contribute to inequalities within the education system.

GCSE Sociology Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore state schools in more detail and master other sociology of education key terms and concepts using our detailed GCSE revision notes. 

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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