A voluntary aided school is a type of state-funded school in England and Wales in which a foundation or trust, usually a religious organization, contributes to building costs and has a substantial influence in the running of the school. The foundation or trust owns the land and buildings, and the governing body employs staff and decides admission arrangements. The key features of a voluntary aided school are:

• The land and buildings are normally owned by a charitable foundation.
• The governing body contributes to building and maintenance costs.
• The governing body employs staff and decides admission arrangements.
• Both the Local Authority and the supporting body (e.g. the Roman Catholic church) will contribute to the funding of the school.

Voluntary aided schools are usually religious or faith schools, although anyone can apply for a place for their child. Most voluntary aided schools are linked to a religious body, usually either the Church of England or the Catholic Church, with a minority of other faiths. Almost all voluntary aided primary schools and 93% of voluntary aided secondary schools are linked to a religious body. Voluntary aided schools have all of their running costs met by the State, but their capital costs would only be partly state-funded, with the foundation retaining greater influence over school admission policies, staffing, and curriculum.