How do foundation schools differ from traditional schools?

Foundation schools differ from traditional schools primarily in terms of their operational freedom. These schools have greater autonomy, which means they can set their own admissions policies, control their budgets, and manage staff without needing to adhere closely to central government regulations that apply to maintained schools. This operational independence allows foundation schools to tailor their educational offerings and management strategies to better suit their local communities and student needs.

In contrast, traditional schools, particularly those that are maintained by local authorities, operate under stricter guidelines set by the government, which can include curriculum requirements and adherence to local authority rules, limiting their freedom to innovate or make independent decisions regarding their operations.