Preparatory Schools

Preparatory Schools belong, predominantly, to one of two professional associations: the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) or the Private SchoolsAssociation (ISA). They cover the primary and, increasingly, the nursery stages of education: "pre-prep" departments for 1½ to 4 year-olds, feeding into the preparatory school itself which may go up to the ages of 11 or 13.

Many prep schools specialise in preparing (hence the name) pupils for the Common Entrance examination for independent senior schools. Boys usually take this at the age of 13; girls at 11 or 12. Other prep schools, especially in cities where there are several independent day schools, will expect their pupils to leave at the age of 11. And many parents choose prep schools simply to give their children a good foundation without necessarily intending them to go on to independent senior schools.

Today's prep schools take the best from both traditional and modern educational methods. They are aware of the National Curriculum, though they do not have to stick to it. Unlike state primary schools, they employ specialist teachers to teach individual subjects, especially to older pupils. They have smaller classes than state schools - typically between 15 and 20 to a class - so that teachers can give more time and attention to individual needs. Around half the prep schools listed on this site - about 300 - offer boarding facilities.

Prep Schools Directory

List | Directory | Private SchoolsGuide