Independent Prep Schools

Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school located in West Sussex, near Worthing, Steyning, and Brighton. Situated within 30 acres of parkland, including woodland, it serves pupils aged 2 to 13. Founded in 1921, the school is broadly Christian in ethos and claims to focus on an environmental commitment, encouraging pupils to 'Embrace Nature; Embrace Learning; Embrace Childhood'. The average class size is 15. The school prepares pupils for Common Entrance and scholarships to senior schools.

The King Alfred School is a co-educational independent day school in North London for pupils aged 4 to 18. Established in 1898, the school is situated on a wooded site adjacent to Hampstead Heath. It follows a progressive educational philosophy, characterised by an informal environment where students and staff are on first-name terms and there is no school uniform. The curriculum emphasises the development of the whole child through a child-centred approach, supported by facilities for outdoor learning and the creative arts. Its history is rooted in providing a non-denominational, secular education.

Pembridge Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 4 to 11, situated in Notting Hill, London. Housed in two white Georgian buildings on Pembridge Square, the school offers a broad curriculum with a particular focus on the arts, music, and sport. Facilities include specialist art and drama studios, and pupils have access to extensive offsite sports grounds. Originally established in 1979, the school emphasises the development of well-rounded individuals and prepares pupils for entry into a variety of senior day and boarding schools.

Lyndhurst School is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 11, situated in the heart of Camberley, Surrey. Founded in 1895, the school is housed in a Victorian building with modern facilities. It provides a broad curriculum that balances academic study with music, art, and sport. The school emphasises small class sizes to support individual development. Its central location allows for easy access to local amenities while maintaining a nurturing environment for its pupils.

Chinthurst School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in Tadworth, Surrey. Founded in 1908, it became a junior school for Reigate Grammar School in 2017. The school occupies a four-acre site featuring a Victorian main building and facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, a sports hall, and playing fields. The curriculum emphasises pastoral care and wellbeing alongside academic breadth. Specialist teaching is provided in music, drama, and languages, including French and Mandarin, to support the development of well-rounded individuals.

Ashford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Kent for pupils aged three months to 18 years. Founded in 1898, the school operates across two campuses: the Senior School at East Hill and the Prep School in the village of Great Chart. Facilities include an All-Steinway music school, indoor swimming pools, and a modern sports centre. Part of the United Learning group, the school occupies a 25-acre main site and incorporates a Grade II listed building. The curriculum is designed to foster individual character and adventurous learning.

Staines Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 11, located in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey. Founded in 1935, the school provides a broad curriculum with specialist teaching in subjects such as music, French, and physical education. The school's ethos is centred around 'The Staines Prep Way', which promotes core values and personal development. Facilities include a dedicated sports hall, a science laboratory, and a performing arts studio. The school aims to prepare pupils for entry into a variety of local senior schools.

Hazelwood School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 9 months to 13 years, situated in 25 acres of woodland in Oxted, Surrey. Established in 1890, the school operates across two sites, including a dedicated nursery and early years centre. The curriculum focuses on academic breadth and innovation, supported by facilities such as the Baily Building for technology and creative arts. Outdoor learning is integrated into the school's provision, utilising its extensive grounds. Pupils are prepared for entry into a variety of senior independent schools at age 13.

St Andrew’s School Rochester is a co-educational independent day school for children aged 2 to 11. Established in 1951, the school moved to its Watts Avenue site in 1961 and is managed by the Education Development Trust. It operates across two locations, with the pre-school situated on nearby St Margaret’s Street. The curriculum balances traditional values with modern learning, utilising specialist teaching and one-to-one digital devices. Facilities include air-conditioned classrooms and a multi-sports court, while a house system—comprising Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Topaz—fosters a sense of community and co-operation.

Claremont Fan Court School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, set within 100 acres of the historic Claremont Estate in Esher, Surrey. The campus is centred around a Grade I listed mansion, built in 1774 for Lord Clive of India and later used as a royal residence by Queen Victoria. The grounds feature landscapes designed by Capability Brown and William Kent. With a focus on character education and a values-led ethos, the school provides a broad curriculum alongside modern facilities, including the Sir Sydney Camm Science and Technology building.

Barrow Hills School is a co-educational day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 13, located in Witley near Godalming. Set within 33 acres of Surrey countryside, the school is housed in a Grade II listed Arts and Crafts building known as Great Roke. Originally founded in 1950 as a preparatory school for St George’s College, it now operates as a partner school to King Edward’s Witley. The school maintains a Catholic ethos while welcoming families of all faiths, providing a broad curriculum that emphasises both academic development and outdoor learning.

The Granville School is an independent day school in Sevenoaks, Kent, comprising a co-educational pre-school and a girls' preparatory department. Established on VE Day in 1945, the school is set within five acres of gardens and woodland, featuring an 1883 Victorian mansion and modern specialist facilities. The curriculum emphasises a balance of academics, music, art, and sport, supported by an indoor swimming pool and Forest School. Maintaining a Christian ethos and the motto 'love and service', the school provides a nurturing environment focused on individual development and preparation for 11+ senior school transitions.

Lancing College Prep Worthing is a co-educational independent nursery, pre-preparatory, and preparatory school for children aged 2-13. Situated on Broadwater Road in Worthing, West Sussex, the school is set within its own grounds. The school claims to focus on fostering a safe, welcoming, and tolerant environment, with an ethos centered on "Love Learning, Be Kind and Go Out into the World and Do Good" within a Christian community. It features small class sizes and a broad, balanced curriculum. An ISI inspection in June 2022 awarded it "excellent" for academic and personal development.

Cranmore School is an independent day school set within 25 acres of grounds in West Horsley, Surrey. Founded in 1968, the school follows a Roman Catholic ethos and is part of the Effingham Schools Trust. It operates a diamond model, offering co-education in the early years before transitioning to single-sex provision for boys aged 7 to 16. The campus features various facilities, including a purpose-built music school with a Mander pipe organ, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, and a contemporary Science and Technology Centre.

The Children's House School is an independent co-educational day school in Islington, North London, for pupils aged two to 11. Founded in 1973 by a group of local parents, the school operates across two sites: an early years centre in Elmore Street and a prep school housed in a Victorian building on King Henry’s Walk. The school follows a thematic curriculum designed to develop creative and independent thinkers. Facilities include light-filled classrooms and an astro-turf playground, with students also benefiting from regular outdoor learning in nearby community gardens.