IAPS is a professional association for Headteachers of leading independent preparatory schools in the UK and overseas. Member schools, which educate pupils up to the age of 13+, must meet stringent criteria for entry and are subject to regular inspection, ensuring high standards of education and pastoral care. The association provides its members with professional support, training, and a collective voice, promoting excellence in the preparatory school sector. It represents over 670 of the world's leading prep schools, making it one of the largest independent school associations.
IAPS Member Schools (202)
Holmewood House is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, set within 32 acres of parkland in Langton Green, Kent. The school is centred around a mansion designed by Decimus Burton, formerly the residence of Sir Charles Locock, physician to Queen Victoria. Established in 1945, Holmewood House focuses on a holistic education that balances a broad curriculum with pastoral care. Notable facilities include a 360-seat theatre, an indoor swimming pool, and a purpose-built music school. The school provides flexible, weekly, and full boarding options.
Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School is a co-educational day school in North London for pupils aged 7 to 13. Part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school is set within 35 acres of green space, including woodland and a cross-country course, ten miles from central London. Established in 1912 as a boys' boarding school, it became fully co-educational in 1995. The curriculum integrates a "Future Skills" programme alongside traditional academics, supported by facilities including a swimming pool, modern science laboratories, and specialist studios for art, music technology, and design.
Hertford Prep, formerly known as St Joseph’s in the Park, is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 11. Set within the historic grounds of Hertingfordbury Park near Hertford, the school occupies a site with 17th-century origins and extensive woodland used for its Forest School. Founded in 1898, it emphasises a nurturing family ethos and a broad curriculum. The school features the Woodlands learning centre, which provides specialist support for pupils with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and has been part of the Mill Hill Education Group since 2021.
Situated in central Hove, East Sussex, St Christopher's Prep is a co-educational school for pupils aged 4 to 13. A member of the Brighton College family, it balances a traditional heritage with a contemporary curriculum. The school is located across two sites; the main campus sits near the seafront, while a separate Early Years facility at Glebe Villas provides expansive green space and nature trails. Its academic programme is supported by specialist teaching and an emphasis on outdoor learning, including regular Forest School sessions and watersports at the nearby Hove Lagoon.
Brighton College Prep Handcross is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 13, set within 52 acres of Sussex parkland. Rebranded from Handcross Park School in 2025, it is part of the Brighton College family and promotes an ethos of kindness and academic ambition. Facilities include a specialist Art and Design Centre, a 6-hole golf course, and an elevated outdoor classroom. The school provides a broad curriculum with specialist teaching in subjects such as Mandarin, complemented by extensive sporting and creative opportunities in its rural setting.
Brighton College Prep School is a co-educational independent school situated in the heart of Brighton, East Sussex. Occupying a coastal location with sea views, the school is also within walking distance of the South Downs. The school’s ethos centres on a "culture of kindness" and mutual respect, encouraging pupils to be kind, curious, and confident. Pupils benefit from access to the facilities of Brighton College, including the School of Science and Sport. Awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag, the school promotes sustainable travel and integrates outdoor learning into its curriculum.
Brighton College Prep Kensington is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated in South Kensington. Housed in four Grade II listed Victorian townhouses, the school follows a curriculum aligned with the Brighton College family, prioritising the pillars of confidence, curiosity, and kindness. The site features a two-acre ‘Secret Garden’ used for outdoor learning and Forest School activities. Its location in the museum district facilitates an ‘extended classroom’ approach, utilising nearby institutions and Hyde Park. Pupils benefit from specialist facilities including a Makerspace and access to the Imperial College sports centre.
Mill Hill Pre-Prep Grimsdell is a co-educational day school in North West London for pupils aged 3 to 7. As part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school is set within 120 acres of parkland, facilitating a curriculum with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and Forest School. The school was established in 1995 within the renovated Winterstoke House and operates with a nurturing ethos centred on kindness. Pupils benefit from an Early Years Village and shared access to the wider foundation’s swimming pool and theatre.
Caterham School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in the Harestone Valley in Surrey. Set within a 200-acre campus, the school was founded in 1811 and moved to its current location in 1884. It provides a broad curriculum with a strong emphasis on digital innovation, being recognised as an Apple Distinguished School. Facilities include a performing arts centre, a large sports complex, and extensive woodland used for outdoor education. The school fosters an environment focused on both academic achievement and personal development.
Westbrook Hay is a co-educational independent prep school for children aged 3 to 13, located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Set within 26 acres of parkland, the school provides nursery, pre-prep, and prep education. Originally founded in 1892, it moved to its current site in 1963. The school emphasises a broad curriculum and character development, preparing pupils for transition to various senior schools. Facilities include extensive sports grounds, a swimming pool, and a performing arts centre, supporting a range of extracurricular activities and academic study.
Abbot's Hill School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 16, with a co-educational nursery, located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Set within 70 acres of parkland, the school is housed in a late 19th-century mansion originally built for the Dickinson family. Founded in 1912, it provides a broad education across its Prep and Senior departments. The school emphasises a holistic approach to learning, supported by facilities including a sports hall and a performing arts centre, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals within a historic setting.
Bromley High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a 25-acre campus in Bickley, Greater London. Established in 1883 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school moved to its current site in 1981. It holds the distinction of being the world's first all-girls All-Steinway School, housing a specialist music wing. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and floodlit sports pitches. The school provides a rigorous academic environment alongside a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities in music, sport, and the arts.