DECIDING where to send your child to school is a big decision, and parents often feel overwhelmed by the choice.
First comes the decision about private or state schools. Then it’s time to decide if your child’s going to go on to a prep school.
There are designed to prepare children, usually between the ages of 8 and 13, for private secondary schools.
Like any other private school, they charge their pupils an annual fee to attend, usually between £10,000 and £20,000, and operate outside of the government.
What is a prep school in the UK?
These private schools are used to prepare children for the Common Entrance Examination, more widely known as the 11+ exam.
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This is an assessment taken by students offered a senior school place, used to check whether they reach the school’s academic standard.
Like private primary and secondary schools, these are run by independent bodies and so work outside of the government.
This means their individual school board decides their admissions policies, what’s on their curriculum, and how they assess their students.
What is the difference between prep and primary school?
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Primary school, also known as elementary or grade school, is the stage between preschool and secondary school.
These can be either state or private schools.
Prep schools are, instead, part of the independent school system.
3) What age is prep school for?
Prep schools are for pupils aged 4 to 13, however, this differs from school to school.
Some educate pupils from the age of 7 or 8, usually in school year three or four.
Pre-prep schools take children from the age of 3 and are often linked with prep schools to guarantee children a place.
4) Top prep schools in the UK
According to The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023, these are the top prep schools in the UK:
Guildford High Junior School
This girls’ school, based in Guildford, Surrey, educates children from the age of four to 11.
They have around 280 pupils in the entire school, with two classes per year group.
On their website, it states: "We balance the pursuit of excellence with full participation.
"Everyone takes a full and active part in the school community, while individual talents are nurtured so that each girl develops her personal strengths and aptitudes."
Termly fees differ for each school year, starting at £4.260 for Reception and Year 1.
Seaton House School
Seaton House in Sutton, South London is a girls' preparatory school, teaching students aged between 2 and 11.
They pride themselves on offering a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including Drama, Ballet, Chess, and Music lessons every term.
Termly fees are set at £3,865 plus a £55 registration fee.
St Martin’s Preparatory School
This prep school in Grimsby takes both boys and girls from the age of 2 to 11.
On their website, it states: "We recognise everyone’s individual talents, encouraging the children to aim high, go above and beyond, and always fulfill their potential.
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"This is aided by a stimulating and engaging curriculum within a welcoming and encouraging family atmosphere."
Again, fees are dependent on your child's school year, starting at £2,185 per term.
What to look for at prep school open days
According to the Good Schools Guide, this is what parents should keep an eye out for when checking out potential schools:
- Do you like the head, the staff, the atmosphere, the library?
- Is the school well cared for? Does it smell good?
- What of the children? Are they friendly, polite, chatty, mannered, smart? Can you imagine your child in amongst the children at the school?
- Chat with other parents – do you have anything in common? Are there similarities between their children and yours?
- What about sports, drama, art? Is there something for your child? Are sports and music inclusive, who gets in the teams and bands?
- Do they stretch the able, help the struggling and recognise these two traits may occur in the one child?
- What happens when things go wrong? Who is on hand to help, how?
- Are they alert to bullying? Ask for instances and find out how bullies and perpetrators are dealt with.
- How will they communicate with you and when? Are parents welcome, if so when, for what and to do what?
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