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.
Blackheath High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on the edge of the Heath in South East London. Founded in 1880 as the first purpose-built school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, it was officially opened by Princess Louise. The school operates across two sites: the Junior School in Blackheath Village and the Senior School at Vanbrugh Park. Facilities include an £18 million campus redevelopment with a state-of-the-art library, fitness suite, and an extensive sports campus at Kidbrooke Grove.
Putney High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a leafy campus in southwest London. Founded in 1893, the school is a prominent member of the Girls' Day School Trust and emphasises an ethos of 'modern scholarship'. The site on Putney Hill combines original Victorian architecture with contemporary sustainable developments, such as the Athena Centre for science and drama and pioneering biophilic classrooms. The school fosters intellectual curiosity and real-world agility, offering a broad curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities within reach of the River Thames.
Streatham & Clapham High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated across two sites in South London. Founded in 1887 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school features a Prep School in a Victorian building and a Senior School bordering Tooting Common. Notable architecture includes 1930s modernist structures and a contemporary Sixth Form wing. Specialist facilities include a recital hall, art suites, and a floodlit all-weather pitch. Guided by the motto "Towards wisdom unafraid," the school balances academic breadth with a wide-ranging co-curricular programme.
Croydon High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on a 20-acre site in Selsdon, South Croydon. Established in 1874, it was one of the earliest schools founded by the Girls’ Day School Trust. The campus features extensive green space and facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool, a sports hall, and a dedicated sixth form centre. The school provides a broad curriculum designed to encourage independence and leadership, supported by a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities.
Situated in the heart of Brighton, Brighton Girls GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school was founded in 1876 and claims to focus on the joy of learning, instilling curiosity, adventure, and independence. The main campus at Montpelier Road features the historic Temple building. Facilities include a sports hall, gym, dance studio, and an Astroturf pitch. The school provides an all-through education, comprising a prep school, senior school, and sixth form within a vibrant urban setting.
Northwood College for Girls GDST is an independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Northwood, Greater London. Founded in 1878 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust since 2014, the school moved to its current site in 1892. Facilities include a performing arts centre with a recital hall, a sports hall with an indoor swimming pool, and specialist studios for dance and art. The school’s ethos focuses on character development and intellectual curiosity, aiming to nurture confident individuals within a supportive community.
Bishopsgate School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated on a 30-acre site in Englefield Green, Surrey, adjacent to Windsor Great Park. Founded in 1896, the school provides a broad curriculum that balances academic study with extensive extracurricular opportunities. Facilities include a modern sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, and a dedicated forest school area. The school focuses on developing well-rounded individuals, preparing them for transition to a wide range of senior schools at the end of Year 8.
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.
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.
Kensington Prep School GDST is an independent day school in Fulham for girls aged 4 to 11. Established in 1873 as the first school of the Girls' Day School Trust, it relocated to its current site in 1997. The school emphasises a "Growing Great Minds" ethos, prioritising curiosity, creativity, and holistic development. Notable facilities include the "Explore Floor" for immersive learning and a playground spanning over an acre with on-site netball and tennis courts. Alumnae include the suffragette Emily Wilding Davison and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
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.