Constituency casework: schools in Wales

Members often receive enquiries from constituents about school-related matters. Many of these can be answered from readily available information on the internet or in standard publications. Where complex issues are raised it may be more appropriate to refer the constituent to specialist bodies and organisations or to a solicitor if legal advice is sought.

This note gives a brief overview of the structure of the state-maintained school system in Wales, including an outline of the different categories of schools, as often an answer to a school-related constituency question may depend upon the type of school in question. The note provides background and key sources on a selection of issues that are typically raised with Members by constituents. Members who have questions on topics not covered here may contact the Social Policy Section for information.

The various guidance documents referred to in this briefing are current at the time of writing; however, some sources are updated regularly or from time to time so it is advisable to check the relevant websites.

This note relates to Wales only. Education is a devolved area and information on school-related issues is available on the websites of the Department for Education, Scottish Government, and the Northern Ireland Department of Education.

There are also Library briefings:

• Constituency casework: schools in England, SN 05396
• Constituency casework: schools in Scotland, CBP 07819
• The School System in Northern Ireland, CBP 8024