Prep schools - preparing children for the next stage...

For pupils aged 8-13. Preparatory schools, or 'prep schools', are independent schools that prepare children for entry to senior schools at age 11 or 13.

'Prep school' has a somewhat endearing, old-fashioned ring to it though many such schools now call themselves 'Junior Schools'.

Prep schools may be more-or-less tied to a senior school and may specialise in helping children gain entry to grammar schools, public schools or other independent schools via common entrance or other school entry examination. Preparatory schools mostly publish no examination data, many do not take KS2 examinations and those that do, do not have a duty to make their results public. So it is essential that you research carefully, any potential schools; fortunately The Good Schools Guide can help.

Finding a Prep School
 

The Good Schools Guide  reviews hundreds of the best prep schools to help you make a great choice for your child. A number of prep schools take boarders though these days very few only take boarders.  

Geared for modern family life, many boarding prep-schools offer a choice of weekly, flexi or full-boarding as well as a day school option.
 

Most offer a range of after-school activities and a good number provide breakfast clubs - a bonus for working parents. A number of single-sex prep schools remain, many with co-ed nurseries and pre-preps.

Applying for a place at a prep school

We do not recommend accepting a place at a school without first visiting

Registering your child at a prep school

The Good Schools Guide Prep School reviews