If you have started looking at schools around Aylesbury, you will soon come across the term “prep school”. For many parents, especially those who went through the state system themselves, it raises a few questions. What exactly is a prep school? How is it different from a primary school? Is it the right choice for your child? This guide explains what prep schools are, what they offer and what to look for when choosing one in Buckinghamshire.
What Does “Prep School” Mean?
“Prep” is short for preparatory. Traditionally, prep schools prepared children for entry to senior independent schools at 11 or 13. Today, the term covers independent schools that educate children from the early years up to 11 or 13, preparing them for the next stage of their education, whether that is a grammar school, an independent senior school or a state secondary.
Prep school age ranges
Prep schools vary in the ages they cover. Many, like Griffin House, run from nursery through to Year 6, when children are 11. Others continue to Year 8, when children are 13, feeding into senior schools that start at 13 plus. Most prep schools are divided into stages:
- Nursery and Reception: the Early Years Foundation Stage, typically ages two or three to five
- Pre-Prep: usually Years 1 and 2, ages five to seven
- Prep: Years 3 to 6 (or to Year 8), ages seven to 11 or 13
How Is a Prep School Different from a State Primary School?
Both prep schools and state primaries teach children the essentials of reading, writing and maths, and both follow the Early Years Foundation Stage in nursery and Reception. The differences are mostly in scale, flexibility and breadth. For a fuller comparison, read our guide to independent vs state primary schools in Buckinghamshire.
Smaller classes
Small class sizes are one of the main reasons parents choose a prep school. With fewer children in the room, teachers get to know each pupil well, spot gaps early and stretch those who are ready for more.
Specialist teaching
Many prep schools introduce specialist teachers for subjects such as music, sport, languages and the arts from a young age. Children benefit from teachers who are experts and enthusiasts in their field.
A broader curriculum
Independent schools are not required to follow the National Curriculum, so they can shape their own. Most prep schools use it as a foundation and then add enrichment through trips, clubs, drama, music, STEAM and outdoor learning.
Strong pastoral care
With smaller numbers, prep schools can offer close pastoral care. Staff know each family, and children’s wellbeing is treated as seriously as their academic progress.
Preparing for the 11 Plus in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is one of the few counties in England with a fully selective education system. There are 13 grammar schools, and entry is through the Secondary Transfer Test, often called the 11 plus. For many families, preparation for this test is a key reason for choosing a prep school.
A good prep school builds the skills the test rewards, such as strong reading comprehension, confident maths and clear reasoning, as part of everyday teaching, so children are not relying on last-minute tutoring. Just as importantly, it prepares them for every route, including independent and state secondary schools. Our parent’s guide to the Buckinghamshire 11 plus explains the process in detail.
What to Look for in a Prep School
When you visit, look beyond the facilities and ask:
- What are the typical class sizes in each year group?
- How are children supported if they find learning hard, or stretched if they find it easy?
- Where do children go when they leave, and how are families supported through that choice?
- How does the school look after children’s wellbeing?
- Is admission selective or non-selective?
- What wraparound care is available for working parents?
Griffin House: A Non-Selective Prep School near Aylesbury
Griffin House School is an independent prep school for boys and girls aged two to 11, set in five acres of grounds at Little Kimble in the Chiltern Hills. Children join our Little Griffins nursery, move through Reception and Pre-Prep, and complete Year 6 in our Prep department.
We are non-selective, so there is no entrance exam. Our small classes and specialist teaching help every child do well, and our Year 6 pupils go on to a range of grammar, independent and state schools, including Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury High School, Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, John Hampden Grammar School and Wycombe High School. Our Headteacher meets every family personally, and we welcome visits throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many prep schools, including Griffin House, have a nursery that takes children from two or three. The main entry points are usually nursery, Reception and Year 3, although places may be available in other year groups.
No. In Buckinghamshire, many prep school pupils go on to grammar schools through the Secondary Transfer Test, while others move to independent or state secondary schools.
No. Some prep schools set entrance tests, but many, including Griffin House, are non-selective and welcome children of all abilities.
A prep school is a type of independent (private) school for younger children. Independent schools for older pupils are usually called senior schools.
