European glossary on education, Volume 2. Educational institutions. 2nd edition

Every education system uses its own specific terminology to describe the characteristics of its organisation and operation. In trying to understand and make reliable comparisons of how the various education systems in Europe really work, we are often confronted with questions of terminology. The development of precise ‘markers’ for reference purposes is thus absolutely essential for better mutual understanding and to encourage good quality communication in an enlarged Europe in which student and teaching staff mobility, as well as the openness of education and training systems to the world at large, are essential aims of cooperation.

For these reasons, the Eurydice Network in 1999 launched a new series entitled the European Glossary on Education. Four volumes have already been published. They are concerned respectively with examinations, qualifications and titles (a second edition appeared in 2004), educational institutions (2000), teaching staff (2002) and management, monitoring and support staff (2003). Preparation of a fifth volume on formal decision-making, management and consultative bodies is under way.

This edition of the volume on educational institutions in Europe constitutes an update of the 2000 edition. It covers the 25 Member States of the European Union, the three EFTA/EEA countries, Bulgaria and Romania.

The Glossary offers a detailed presentation of the terminology used at national level to designate institutions at all educational levels. This second edition covers institutions which provide adult education, as well as those for pupils and students with special educational needs. It sets out the offi cial or most widely-used terms specifi c to a particular national education system in a way that will enable readers to conveniently locate their defi nitions and form a better understanding of the reality behind one system compared to another. A guide to the use of the Glossary is presented by way of introduction. It contains all relevant defi nitions and outlines the different aspects covered in the explanatory note on each term.