What is a Prep School?
A prep school – short for “preparatory school” – is a UK independent school that prepares children for entry to senior school, typically through the 11+ or 13+ entrance exams. Most prep schools are fee-paying, offer smaller class sizes than the state sector, and introduce specialist subject teaching earlier than a typical primary school.
How a prep school differs from a primary school
While a state primary school takes children from Reception through to Year 6 as part of the free state education system, a prep school is an independent, fee-paying alternative built around the same core purpose: preparing children academically, socially and personally for the next stage of their education. Prep schools typically offer smaller class sizes, specialist teaching in subjects like art, music, French and PE from an earlier age, and a curriculum specifically designed with senior school entry – and its exams – in mind.
What age range do prep schools cover?
There’s no single fixed age range across all UK prep schools – it varies from school to school. Many prep schools take children from age 7 or 8 through to 11 or 13, while others, like Bassett House, offer a fully continuous journey from Nursery age right through to Year 6, so a child never has to change schools during their entire prep-school years.
What does prep school life look like at Bassett House?
At Bassett House, we’re a co-educational prep school for boys and girls aged 2 to 11, based in Notting Hill, West London. Children join us as early as Nursery and can stay with us right through to Year 6 and their move to senior school at 11+ – one continuous, familiar journey rather than several separate transitions.
Our teaching philosophy is Montessori-founded in the early years and mastery-based through Prep, built around genuine understanding rather than simply covering content quickly. Every class is fully co-educational, and every child is known individually within a small, close-knit school community. Read more about our teaching philosophy and co-educational learning at Bassett House.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "prep school" actually mean?
“Prep school” is short for “preparatory school” – an independent school that prepares children for entry to senior school, usually via the 11+ or 13+ entrance exams.
What age do children start prep school?
This varies by school – some start at 7 or 8, others earlier. At Bassett House, children can join from age 2 in our Nursery and continue right through to Year 6.
What is the difference between a prep school and a private school?
A prep school is a type of private (independent) school, specifically focused on the years leading up to senior school entry, rather than a separate category of education.
Do children need to sit an exam to leave a prep school?
Most prep school pupils sit entrance exams – commonly known as the 11+ or 13+ – to move on to their chosen senior school, and prep schools typically build their curriculum with this preparation in mind.
Is Bassett House a prep school?
Yes. Bassett House is a co-educational prep school in Notting Hill for children aged 2 to 11, offering a continuous journey from Nursery through to Year 6 and 11+ preparation.
How do I find out about fees at Bassett House?
Full details on our termly fees are available on our Fees page.
How can I visit Bassett House to see prep school life for myself?
You can book a private tour or attend an open event via our Visit Us page – we’d love to show you around.
