High Wycombe families have a wide choice of primary education, and “prep school” is a term you will hear often as you start looking. But what exactly is a prep school, and how does it differ from a local primary? In Buckinghamshire, where the 11 plus shapes so many families’ plans, the answer matters. This guide explains what prep schools are, what they offer and how to decide whether one is right for your child.
What Is a Prep School?
“Prep” is short for preparatory. A prep school is an independent school for younger children that prepares them for the next stage of their education. Originally, prep schools prepared children for independent senior schools at 13. Today, many run to age 11 and prepare pupils for a mix of grammar, independent and state secondary schools.
Stages of a prep school
Most prep schools are organised into stages, such as:
- Pre-school: from age two or three
- Reception: ages four to five, completing the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Pre-Prep: Years 1 and 2
- Prep: Years 3 to 6, ages seven to 11
How Prep Schools Differ from State Primary Schools
Smaller classes
Class sizes are usually much smaller than in state primaries, where infant classes can have up to 30 children. This means more individual attention for every child.
Specialist teachers from an early age
Many prep schools bring in specialist teachers for music, drama, PE, languages and outdoor learning from the early years. Our guide to why specialist teaching matters in the early years explains the benefits.
A broad, flexible curriculum
Independent schools can design their own curriculum. Most build on the National Curriculum with extra subjects, trips, clubs and enrichment.
Close pastoral care
With smaller numbers, staff know each child and family well, so wellbeing is closely supported.
Longer days and wraparound care
Prep schools often provide breakfast clubs, after-school care and clubs on site, which helps working families.
Prep Schools and the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus
Buckinghamshire has a fully selective system, with 13 grammar schools, three of them in High Wycombe itself. Entry is through the Secondary Transfer Test in Year 6. Many families choose a prep school because it builds the reading, reasoning and maths skills the test rewards, within a broad curriculum.
One practical point: children at independent schools are not entered for the test automatically, so parents must register them during Year 5. Our guide to the Buckinghamshire 11 plus for High Wycombe parents covers the process.
Are All Prep Schools Selective?
No. Some prep schools set entrance assessments, but many are non-selective and welcome children of all abilities. Non-selective prep schools can still achieve excellent results, because small classes and strong teaching help every child progress from their own starting point. Read what is a non-selective prep school?
What to Look for in a Prep School
- How big are the classes?
- Which subjects are taught by specialists?
- How does the school prepare children for the 11 plus and other senior school routes?
- Where do pupils go at 11?
- What wraparound care is available?
- What did the latest inspection say?
- Does the school feel warm, happy and purposeful?
Crown House: A Prep School in High Wycombe
Crown House Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational prep school for children aged three to 11, based at Bassetsbury Manor in High Wycombe. Children join our pre-school from the term they turn three and continue through Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep to Year 6.
We are non-selective and inclusive, and around 80% of our pupils go on to local grammar schools, with others moving to excellent maintained and independent senior schools. Our three pillars, Caring and Inclusive, Academically Rigorous and Forward Thinking, shape everything we do. Breakfast club starts at 7.45am and after-school care runs until 5.30pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prep schools typically educate children from pre-school or Reception up to age 11 or 13. At Crown House, children join from the term they turn three and leave at the end of Year 6.
Yes. In Buckinghamshire, many prep school pupils go on to grammar schools after sitting the Secondary Transfer Test.
A prep school is a type of independent (private) school for younger children, usually up to 11 or 13.
Some do, but many are non-selective. Crown House is non-selective. Families visit, and children spend time with us before joining.
