Busting Common Jargon in UK Education

Introduction

The UK education system can be a bit of a maze, full of terms and jargon that might leave you scratching your head, especially if you're a migrant parent not used to the school lingo. Even though teachers try their best to keep things clear, you’ll often find acronyms and specialised words popping up in official documents and emails. This can make it tough to get the important info about your child’s education.

To help you find your way, we’ve put together a list of common terms and abbreviations you might come across. This guide is here to break down the jargon and help you feel more confident when dealing with the UK education system.

AfL	Assessment for Learning
CAMHS	Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
CL	Communication & Language (Early Years)
CPD	Continuing Professional Development
DfE	Department for Education
DT	Design and Technology
DBS	Disclosure and Barring Service (Formerly CRB check)
DHT	Deputy Head Teacher
EAL	English as an Additional Language
EHCP	Education, Health and Care Plan - for young people who have additional needs
EP	Educational Psychologist
EWO	Education Welfare Officer (deals with poor attendance)
EYFS	Early Years Foundation Stage
FGB	Full Governing Body
GCSE	General Certificate of secondary Education
H&S	Health & Safety
HT	Head teacher
ICT	Information & Communication Technology
IEP	Individual Education Plan
INSET	In-service Training
KS1	Key Stage One – Years 1 & 2
KS2	Key Stage Two – Years 3,4,5 & 6
KS3	Key Stage Three – Years 7 - 9
KS4	Key Stage Four –  Years 10, 11
LA	Local Authority -
LAC	Looked After Child
LSA	Learning Support Assistant called TA (Teaching Assistant) in some schools
MAP	More Able Pupils formerly referred to as Gifted and Talented
MEG	Minimum Expected Grade also called Target Grade
Ofsted	Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills
PE	Physical Education
PEP	Personal Education Plan
PPA	Planning, Preparation & Assessment time (for teachers)
PSED	Personal Social Emotional Development (Early Years)
PSHE	Personal Social Health Education
PTA	Parent and Teacher Association
RE	Religious Education
SA	School Action (SEN pupil with Outcome Plan)
SALT	Speech and Language Therapist
SATs	Standard Attainment Tests ( A statutory assessment in year 2 and year 6)
SEAL	Social-Emotional Aspects of Learning
SEF	Self Evaluation Form
SEND	Special Educational Needs and Disability
SENCo	Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
SETS	Year groups divided into classes based on academic ability
SIP	School Improvement Plan
SLT	Senior Leadership Team
SMSC	Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural
TLR	Teaching and Learning Responsibility
VLE	Virtual Learning Environment