What Is a Prep School? A Parent’s Complete Guide to Preparatory Education
A prep school (short for “preparatory school”) is a fee-paying independent school, typically for children aged 2 to 13, that prepares them academically, socially and personally for entry to senior school at 11+ or 13+.
If you’re new to independent education, the terminology can feel like a world of its own. Here’s a straightforward guide to what a prep school actually offers.
How Prep Schools Differ from State Primary Schools
| Independent Prep School | State Primary School | |
| Fees | Termly fees apply | Free at the point of use |
| Typical age range | 2/3 to 13 | 4/5 to 11 |
| Class sizes | Often smaller, with more individual attention | Set by local authority guidelines |
| Curriculum | Often broader, with flexibility beyond the National Curriculum | Follows the National Curriculum |
| Senior school preparation | Structured preparation for 11+/13+ entrance exams | Preparation for secondary transfer at 11 |
The Stages of a Prep School Education
- Nursery (roughly ages 2–4) – early years foundations through play-based learning
- Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2) – building core literacy, numeracy and social skills
- Prep (Years 3–8) – a broader curriculum building towards senior school entry
At Devonshire House, this journey runs continuously from Nursery through to Year 8, so families don’t need to change schools at 4 or 7.
What Prep School Prepares Children For
Beyond academics, prep schools typically prepare pupils for the 11+ and 13+ entrance exams used by senior schools, alongside a broader offering in sport, the arts and outdoor learning designed to build confidence and character.
Choosing the Right Prep School for Your Child
Every family’s priorities are different, but it’s worth looking closely at a school’s ethos and values, class sizes and pastoral care, and how well it’s connected to senior schools in your area — all things we’re happy to talk through at an Open Morning.