Prep Schools Directory & Guide 2011

Listing more than 650 UK Preparatory and Independent Junior Schools

Welcome to the Prep Schools Directory & Guide 2011. This website offers advice to parents seeking information on independent prep and junior schools in the United Kingdom.

What is a prep school?

In current English usage, a prep, or preparatory, school is an independent school dedicated to preparing students for entry to independent, fee-paying secondary schools.  Preparatory schools may accept day or boarding students, or a combination of both. In 2011, there are more than 600 prep schools in the United Kingdom.

Some prep schools are closely associated with one specific independent secondary school, but the majority prepare their students for entry to a range of schools.  Traditionally, prep schools have prepared their students for the Common Entrance examination.  However, in recent times, junior schools not preparing for Common Entrance have begun to use the term preparatory school to describe themselves.