Approved schools and borstals were both types of institutions designed for young offenders in the UK, but they served different purposes and had distinct characteristics.

Approved Schools:

1. Purpose: Approved schools were institutions aimed at the rehabilitation and education of young offenders who had committed relatively minor offenses or were deemed in need of care and control.
2. Population: These schools primarily catered to children and young adolescents.
3. Environment: The environment in approved schools was less punitive and more focused on education, training, and rehabilitation.
4. Type of Offenders: Approved schools generally housed younger and less severe offenders compared to borstals.
5. Management: They were often run by local authorities, voluntary organizations, or religious groups, emphasizing moral and social instruction.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Borstals:

1. Purpose: Borstals were established as a tougher type of youth detention center, aimed at older juveniles aged 16 to 21 who had committed more serious offenses.
2. Population: The population in borstals consisted of young offenders who were considered to require stricter discipline.
3. Environment: The environment in borstals was more structured and regimented, with a strong focus on discipline, vocational training, and physical fitness.
4. Type of Offenders: Borstals were meant for youths who had committed more serious crimes and needed a more controlled and punitive environment.
5. Post-1982 Changes: The borstal system was abolished in 1982, and these institutions were replaced with youth custody centers.

(Source: National Justice Museum)

Key Differences:

• Nature and Intensity: Approved schools were less strict and punitive than borstals. They focused more on rehabilitation through education and moral instruction, while borstals emphasized discipline and vocational training.
• Offense Severity: Approved schools dealt with younger and less severe offenders, whereas borstals focused on youths who had committed more serious offenses.
• Post-1980s: After the abolition of the borstal system, approved schools were also phased out and replaced by other forms of youth detention and community homes.

For more detailed information, you can refer to:

• Approved schools on Wikipedia
• Borstals on Wikipedia
• Northwestern University PDF on English Schools for Young Offenders

These sources delve deeper into the history and functionalities of both approved schools and borstals in the UK.