Selecting the right UK prep school for your child is a crucial first step in securing a place at a top British boarding school at 13+. For many families, the goal is often a school that provides outstanding academic preparation, a nurturing environment, and a strong track record of securing places and scholarships, at the most prestigious private boarding schools.
When visiting a prep school, asking the right questions will help you determine whether it is the best fit for your child’s aspirations.
1. What is the School’s Academic Approach?
A strong academic foundation is key to entering the best senior school for your child…
Ask:
What is the typical class size and how much individual attention do pupils receive?
What is the curriculum structure, and does the prep school follow the Common Entrance syllabus, or have they moved towards a more skills-based approach such as the PSB or their own tailor-made programme?
At what age do children receive specialist subject teaching, and in which subjects?
Are children placed into sets or streams for some subjects?
What feedback and reports on progress are provided to parents throughout the prep school journey?
How has the school embraced AI and technology?
How does the school challenge the most academically gifted pupils?
Is specialist learning support on offer, how is this structured, and is there an extra fee for this?
Are there extension programmes for scholarship candidates, or additional support for children who need it?
How is the school day structured with a balance between academic lessons, sports and clubs?
Does the school have academic lessons on Saturday mornings?
2. How Does the School Prepare Children for Securing a Place at the Best Senior School for them?
Many leading prep schools specialise in preparing children for Common Entrance (CE), Scholarship exams, ISEB and other Pre-tests for entry into prestigious boarding schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Brighton College, Radley. There are so many private schools to choose…
Ask:
Which private senior schools do pupils typically move on to at 13+?
How does the school ensure each child moves on to the perfect senior school for them?
If the prep school is part of a schools group, or linked to a senior school, is the transfer at 13+ automatic or conditional on assessments and interviews?
How does the prep school support children through each step of the ISEB pre-test, Common Entrance, interview and entry assessment process?
What percentage of students gain scholarships (academic, sport, music, art, drama, or all-rounder)?
How are individual strengths nurtured to ensure parents are steered towards the right senior school for their child as an individual?
Are there opportunities for children and parents to meet key people from senior schools at the prep school?
3. What Kind of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Support is Offered?
A nurturing and supportive environment is essential for children as they prepare for senior boarding school life…
Ask:
How is the pastoral staff team structured?
Who will be my go-to people, if I am worried about my child?
How does the school nurture children’s emotional wellbeing and build self-confidence?
What is the approach to discipline, kindness, and inclusion?
How does the school help boarders settle in, particularly for first-time boarding pupils?
What support is provided for children dealing with academic pressure or entrance exam stress?
What happens if my child is unwell?
What is the mobile phone policy and access to screen time?
4. How Flexible are the Boarding Options?
If you are considering a prep boarding school, it’s important to understand how the boarding environment prepares children for full boarding at senior school, if that’s your preference, or whether a more flexible approach to boarding through the week allows you more time at home with your child…
Ask:
Does the school offer full, weekly, or flexi-boarding?
How many boarders are there through the week and at weekends?
How are boarding houses structured age-wise and how are they staffed?
What happens if my child is unwell in the night?
What weekend activities and pastoral care systems are in place for boarders?
How does the school encourage independence and resilience?
5. What Extracurricular Opportunities Are Available?
Leading prep schools provide a well-rounded education, developing children’s talents and building confidence beyond the classroom…
Ask:
What opportunities are there in sport, music, drama, and art?
How does the school support sports scholars, musicians, or performers who are aiming for scholarships at senior schools?
What clubs, activities, and leadership opportunities are available?
Are there international trips, outdoor education, or adventure programmes?
6. How Does the School Work with Parents Throughout the 13+ Process?
The journey to securing a place at a top senior school is a collaborative one…
Ask:
How early does the school start preparing children for ISEB pre-tests and 13+ entry?
How does the headteacher support parents in choosing the right senior school?
How does the school maintain and build its connections with senior schools?
Are there mock interviews or extra coaching available for scholarship applicants?
7. What Makes This Prep School Different?
Every top UK prep school has a unique ethos, and it’s important to find one that aligns with your family’s values…
Ask:
What is the school’s philosophy on education and character development?
How does the school balance tradition with a modern approach?
What makes this school stand out from other leading prep schools?
What are the future development plans for facilities and innovations to the curriculum?
Is the school considering whether to join a schools group or merge with a senior school in the future?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right independent UK prep school is an investment in your child’s future, shaping their education, character, and eventual success at a prestigious British boarding school. Asking these key questions will help you find a school that will best prepare your child for the next stage of their education, ensuring they thrive academically, socially, and personally.
At The Independent Education Consultants, we specialise in guiding families towards the perfect prep school to maximise their child’s potential for success at 13+.
Get in touch today for expert advice on selecting the best school for your child.
If this piece on UK Boarding Schools has made you think considering British boarding schools could be the right option for your child, we offer a complimentary call for all families so we can explore this discussion further on an individual family basis. During the call we will ask you about your child, and your ambitions for their education. Then, we discuss how we are best to help you navigate the often-confusing waters of choosing, applying and securing an offer of a place to join the best British boarding school for your child and family.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
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