Choosing the Right Prep School

What is a Prep School?

A UK Prep School is an independent primary school that prepares children for entry into an independent selective secondary school. At Hazelwood School, we cater for children from 4 years old in their Reception year, right through to 13 years old in Year 8.

As the name suggests, prep schools are designed to prepare pupils for the next big step—senior school. But let's be honest, choosing the right prep school for your child can feel like assembling flat-pack furniture without the instructions. Overwhelming! Everyone has an opinion about schools, and word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, neighbours, and mums at the nursery gates will undoubtedly play a huge role. However, the truth is, no amount of friendly chat can replace doing your own homework.

Senior School Destinations: A Prep School’s Calling Card

Prep schools live and die by their senior school destinations. Parents want the assurance that their chosen prep school will give their child the best shot at landing a place in a thriving senior school. And while this is an important consideration, the truth is that any prep school worth its salt won’t just prep your child for any senior school—they’ll prepare them for the right senior school.

Selective all-through schools, from Reception to Year 13, often give the impression that your child is guaranteed a seamless transition from reception to senior school, but if your child doesn’t seem a good fit by Years 4 & 5, you may receive a polite nudge to start looking elsewhere. The best prep schools will focus on nurturing confident, happy learners while working openly with you to find the perfect senior school match. After all, this isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” decision.

Before worrying about senior school places, remember, the first six formative prep years are critical—a time for your child to grow, thrive, and find joy in learning. Get the prep school right, and the rest will follow.

"The beginning is the most important part of the work." — Plato

So, while senior school opportunities and academic rigor matter, don’t overlook a fundamental aspect when choosing the right prep school: pastoral care. A school that prioritizes your child’s wellbeing is worth its weight in gold stars. Schools that have a space for reflection and tranquility are a good indicator that pupil wellbeing is high on the agenda. A ‘Zen-Den’ or ‘Wellbeing Hub’ may feel novel to the parent generation, but it is a clear and important sign that a school cares about the child as a whole, not just their grades.

When visiting schools, look for inclusive opportunities across music, sport, and co-curricular activities. A ‘sport for all’ ethos, for example, ensures that athletic children excel while teaching teamwork and resilience—and inspires less sporty children to discover their hidden potential. Schools that celebrate effort and progress over medals and trophies help every child feel like a winner. 

Picture This: Your Child Thriving

When touring a school, ask yourself: Can you imagine your child running around the outdoor space, wide-eyed with excitement? Can you picture them enthusiastically chatting about a science experiment or proudly showing off their latest art project? Visualise them immersed in after-school clubs, making friends and memories. If the answer is no, it’s time to keep looking.

Gut instinct plays a big role in this process. Schools are as much a decision of the heart as the head. And if you’re still unsure, let your child’s reaction be your guide. A taster day offers invaluable insight into how well they fit in—and how the school fits them. Watch their body language and listen to their feedback. More often than not, their experience will give you the clarity you need.

Different Lenses

I always advise parents to visit a school at least twice. Start with an Open Morning for the bigger picture—the school’s vision, spirit, and goals. Then, schedule a private tour to see the “real deal”: the daily rhythm, the interactions between staff and pupils, and the school in full swing. Don’t shy away from asking questions like: “What’s the best part of this school?” and “Why do you consider your school to be the best?” And pay attention to how the children interact with each other and the staff. After all, your child will spend up to 45 hours a week with their peers and teachers—it’s crucial to know they’ll be in a happy, healthy environment.

Social Media: The School’s Window to the World

A school’s social media accounts are a treasure trove of insights. Scroll through their posts to get a sense of what they value most. Are they all about awards, records, and sporting wins? Or do they celebrate effort, enriching experiences, personal growth, and fun? The latter reveals a school that’s focused on the whole child—the kind of place most parents dream of.

The Final Question: Does It Spark Joy?

Here’s the ultimate litmus test: Does the school leave you brimming with hope and excitement? Can you imagine your child saying, “I can’t wait to go back”? If yes, congratulations—you’ve found the one. If not, don’t settle. The right school is out there, and it’s worth the search.

Choosing a prep school is a journey, but with the right balance of research, intuition, and a sprinkle of humour, you’ll find the perfect place for your child to grow, thrive, and shine.

Kate Whitehead

Director of Admissions

Hazelwood School