Preparatory schools are independent schools that educate children up to age 11 or 13, preparing them for entry to senior independent schools via the Common Entrance exam or a school's own 11+ or 13+ assessment. Most have a linked pre-prep taking children from age two or four, and many offer boarding alongside day places from the middle years. Entry at the younger ages is usually by registration and an informal taster session rather than a competitive exam, so it pays to register early - popular prep schools fill their Reception lists two or three years ahead.

The most important question to ask is which senior schools a prep feeds into - a strong feeder relationship can ease the 13+ transition considerably. Compare annual fees and any bursary or scholarship support available, ISI or Ofsted inspection ratings, class sizes and the breadth of co-curricular provision: sport scholarships, music scholarships and pastoral care all affect where children thrive. Open days are the best way to judge fit, so book early in Year 3 or 4 if you are aiming for an 11+ move, or Year 5 or 6 for 13+.

Frequently asked questions

How many prep schools are there in England?

School Signal lists 618 prep schools in England. You can filter them by Ofsted rating, gender and location, and compare results, pupil numbers and catchment areas side by side.

How are prep schools rated?

Schools in England are inspected by Ofsted and rated Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate. Independent schools are inspected by the ISI. Ratings sit alongside published exam results - Progress 8 and Attainment 8 for secondary schools, or KS2 SATs results for primary.

How do I apply for a school place?

Apply for a state school through your local authority's coordinated admissions process, naming your preferred schools by the national deadline. Independent schools run their own admissions, so contact them directly for entry requirements and fees.