If you are exploring schools in Milton Keynes, you have probably noticed that some independent schools call themselves “prep schools”. The term can be confusing, particularly if you went to a state primary yourself. This guide explains what a prep school is, how it differs from a state primary, what the benefits are and what to look for when choosing one for your child.
What Does “Prep School” Mean?
“Prep” is short for preparatory. A prep school is an independent school that educates younger children and prepares them for the next stage of their education. Historically, prep schools prepared pupils for independent senior schools at 13. Today, many prep schools educate children up to age 11 and prepare them for a wide range of senior schools, including independent, grammar and state schools.
How prep schools are organised
Most prep schools are divided into stages:
- Nursery and Pre-School: babies or toddlers up to age four, depending on the school
- Reception: ages four to five, the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Pre-Prep: usually Years 1 and 2, ages five to seven
- Prep: Years 3 to 6 (and sometimes to Year 8), ages seven to 11 or 13
Some prep schools, like Broughton Manor, have a nursery that takes babies, so families can stay in one school from the first months right through to age 11.
How Is a Prep School Different from a State Primary?
Class sizes
Prep schools usually have much smaller classes than state primaries, where infant classes can have up to 30 pupils. Smaller classes mean more individual attention.
Specialist teaching
Many prep schools use specialist teachers for music, sport, languages, drama and computing from an early age, even in the early years.
A curriculum that goes further
Independent schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum. Most use it as a base and then broaden it with extra subjects, trips, clubs and enrichment.
Preparation for senior school entry
Prep schools help children prepare for entrance exams to independent senior schools and, where relevant, grammar school tests. Our guide to grammar schools near Milton Keynes explains the options.
Extended days and wraparound care
Many prep schools offer longer days, with breakfast and after-school care built in. This can make life much easier for working parents.
The Benefits of a Prep School Education
- Individual attention: teachers know every child well and can tailor their teaching
- Strong pastoral care: children’s wellbeing is closely supported
- Breadth: sport, music, drama, languages and the arts are part of everyday life
- Continuity: children can stay in one school from nursery to 11
- Confidence: plenty of opportunities to perform, compete and lead
For a fuller comparison, see our guide to independent vs state primary schools in Milton Keynes.
What to Look for When Choosing a Prep School
- What are the class sizes in each year group?
- Which subjects are taught by specialists, and from what age?
- Where do pupils go at 11, and how are families supported through that choice?
- What is included in the fees, such as lunches, wraparound care and trips?
- What did the latest inspection report say?
- Does the school feel happy, calm and purposeful when you visit?
Broughton Manor: A Prep School in Milton Keynes
Broughton Manor Preparatory School is an independent co-educational prep school on Newport Road, Broughton, on the east side of Milton Keynes. We educate children from two months old in our nursery, through Pre-School, Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep to the end of Year 6.
Our curriculum builds on the National Curriculum without being constrained by it, with specialist teaching in subjects such as music, sport, languages and the arts. Our fees include lunches, afternoon tea and wraparound care until 5.45pm. Our pupils go on to independent senior schools such as Bedford School, Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford Modern School and Thornton College, to grammar schools including The Royal Latin School and Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, and to local state schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most prep schools educate children up to 11 or 13. Broughton Manor educates children up to the end of Year 6, age 11.
A prep school is a type of independent (private) school for younger children. Independent schools for older pupils are usually called senior schools.
No. Prep school pupils move on to independent, grammar and state secondary schools, depending on what suits each child.
Small classes, specialist teaching, a broad curriculum, strong pastoral care and careful preparation for the move to senior school.
