a comprehensive school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comprehensive school" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a type of school that provides a broad education to students of all abilities, often without selection based on academic achievement. Example: "In the UK, a comprehensive school aims to provide an inclusive education for all students, regardless of their background or academic performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A comprehensive school in south Wales which closed a year ago after asbestos was found will not fully reopen until 2014.

BBC

Greening went to a comprehensive school.

The Guardian

You were simply a comprehensive school pupil.

The Guardian

Sebastian Coe went to a comprehensive school too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, has there ever been a Guardian editor from a comprehensive school?

The Guardian

Bernard Barker was the first comprehensive pupil to become head of a comprehensive school.

The Guardian

I went to a comprehensive school in mid-Wales, and it was fantastic.

The Guardian

Greening becomes the first education secretary to have been educated at a comprehensive school.

The Guardian

Another candidate from a comprehensive school has four contextual data flags by her name.

The Guardian

Perhaps not, but few could argue that a comprehensive school place is too much to expect.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One is that the state developed unusually explicit guidance for Focus Schools centered on a comprehensive school-planning process.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about education policy or personal experiences, use the phrase "a comprehensive school" to specifically denote a non-selective, government-funded secondary school. This clarifies that the school accepts students from all academic backgrounds within a given area.

Common error

Avoid using "a comprehensive school" when describing highly selective or private institutions. This term implies a broad intake of students regardless of academic ability, so applying it to a school with strict admission criteria would be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive school" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "comprehensive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "school". It identifies a specific type of secondary school that provides education to all students regardless of their academic ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive school" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to a non-selective secondary school that provides education to all students, irrespective of their academic abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's primarily used in news, scientific and formal contexts. Related phrases include ""an all-inclusive school"" and ""a non-selective school"". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the school's admission policy and avoid confusing it with selective or private institutions. The key is to accurately convey the inclusive nature of the educational environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an all-inclusive school

Emphasizes the school's commitment to including students of all backgrounds and abilities.

a non-selective school

Highlights the absence of selective admission criteria, open to all students in a given area.

a general education school

Underlines the broad-based curriculum offered, covering a wide range of subjects.

a secondary school

A broader term referring to any school providing secondary education, of which a comprehensive school is a type.

an inclusive learning environment

Focuses on the learning setting created by a comprehensive school.

a mainstream school

Denotes that the school provides education within the standard educational system.

a community school

Focuses on the school's role as a center for community activities and resources.

a diverse school

Highlights the variety of students attending, creating a multicultural learning environment.

a state-funded school

Highlights the school's public funding and accessibility.

a level playing field school

Suggests an environment where all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.

FAQs

What does the term "a comprehensive school" mean?

The term "a comprehensive school" generally refers to a state-funded school that admits all children, regardless of their aptitude or ability. It is a non-selective secondary school intended to provide equal educational opportunities to all students in a community.

How to use "a comprehensive school" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "She attended "a comprehensive school" in London before going to university."

What are some synonyms for "a comprehensive school"?

While there isn't a direct synonym, related phrases include "an all-inclusive school", "a non-selective school", or simply "a secondary school" depending on the context.

Is it better to attend "a comprehensive school" or a grammar school?

The choice between "a comprehensive school" and a grammar school depends on individual learning styles and academic goals. Grammar schools are selective and cater to high-achieving students, while "a comprehensive school" accepts students of all abilities, offering a more diverse learning environment.