| MPI | Ministry of Public Education |
| NFER | National Foundation for Educational Research (in England and Wales) |
| PEI | Individual Education Plan (PEIs are formulated by the local health authority and specialised teaching personnel, in collaboration with the student's parent(s), for each student with special educational needs. They outline the progression of educational and teaching activities for each student, appropriate to his/her capabilities and limitations.) |
| QCA | Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (in England) |
| SCAA | School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (now QCA) |
| Consiglio di classe | Class Council | At secondary level, a body which comprises teachers of the same class and four elected parent representatives, two of whom are replaced by two student representatives at upper secondary level (14+). |
| Consiglio di interclasse | Interclass Council | Exists at primary level and consists of the teachers of all the parallel classes and one elected parent for each class. It formulates educational and teaching plans for the class, checks the progress of teaching and discipline in the class, organises supplementary and extramural activities and is responsible for curriculum and assessment. |
| Esame di Stato | Since 1999, the examination taken on completion of upper secondary education (at around age 18/19), which entitles the successful holder to proceed to higher education. Prior to 1999, this examination was known as the "esame di maturità". | |
| (Diploma di) licenza media | Certificate of completion of the lower secondary school course, issued after passing the final lower secondary school diploma examination, usually taken at age 14. | |
| Ministero della pubblica istruzione (MPI) | Ministry of Public Education (MPI) | |
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Scuola media (plural, scuole medie) |
Lower secondary school(s) | Compulsory and non-selective lower secondary school for students aged 11-14. |
| Scuola dell'infanzia
(plural, scuole) |
nursery school(s) | Generic term for institutions offering pre-compulsory education, usually to 3- to 6-year-olds. Children with special educational needs, aged 0-6, may access such provision. |
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Uffici Scolastici Regionali |
Self-governing centre with administrative responsibility, which monitors the implementation of school regulations, efficacy of training activities and observance of defined standards. |