In the UK, a state school that has voluntarily withdrawn itself from local authority support (an action called opting out), and instead is maintained directly by central government. The schools are managed by their own boards of governors. In 1996 there were 1,090 grant-maintained schools, of which 60% were secondary schools.
Green is a symbol of fertility. White represents neutrality. Black reflects the Emirates' oil wealth. Red recalls the former flags of the Kharijite Muslims. Effective date: 2 December 1971.