A recognised kitemark of quality
The Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS)
represents 700 of the world's leading prep schools.

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Photo: Brighton College Prep School
The best jobs in the best schools
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at member schools across the UK and overseas.

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Photo: Hurstpierpoint College Preparatory School
Find the right school for your child
Our members lead a variety of outstanding schools
many with world-class reputations.

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Photo: St Margaret's Preparatory School

About Us

The Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) is a schools association with 700 of the world’s leading prep schools in membership.

Schools must reach a very high standard to be eligible for membership, with strict criteria on teaching a broad curriculum, maintaining excellent standards of pastoral care and keeping staff members’ professional development training up to date.

Although each of our schools is independent, and has its own ethos, they are all committed to delivering an excellent, well-rounded education to the pupils in their care.

We believe that schools should be unfettered by government interference and with fewer financial and other resourcing constraints than state schools, to ensure that their educational provision is tailored to the needs of the individual children. The safety and welfare of children in our schools is the first and most important responsibility of our members. For more information and guidance on safeguarding, log into the Members' Area.

Discover more about IAPS

160,000

UK Pupils

26,000

Overseas Pupils

630

UK Schools

Overseas Schools

Latest News

The latest developments from IAPS plus featured news stories from member schools provided by Attain.

View school news stories

RT @KWS_Prep: "By following the process step by step, problems can be approached in a logical way." The Prep pupils have thoroughly enjoye…
11:09 AM - 22 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @joenutt_author: Anyone tempted to reproduce all the silly myths about private education so prevalent on edutwitter, would benefit from…
10:28 AM - 21 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
https://t.co/a9PHiGtVdb
17:51 PM - 17 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @KWS_Prep: We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all back to the Prep School in September! If you are interested in visiting…
13:48 PM - 15 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @HMC_Org: The @YorkISSP is a great e.g. of how independent & state schools can work together for mutual benefit. The partnership encoura…
10:12 AM - 9 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
Mental health & wellbeing network launch @KHPSCov 10 Oct 2019. For more info: https://t.co/MKOWMbFeq3
16:54 PM - 7 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @ISC_schools: Independent schools make a significant contribution to the UK economy, saving the taxpayer £3.5bn every year by providing…
14:08 PM - 7 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @BCSHead_: Fantastic opportunity for @bcsbirmingham children and children in our community Schools #partnership @ISC_schools @iapsuk @Go…
9:23 AM - 7 Aug 2019 by @iapsuk

Courses & Conferences

IAPS courses are designed to cover the most important and current issues facing Independent Prep Schools; appealing to a wide range of staff, including courses for Teaching Assistants, Safeguarding, Coaching, Pastoral Support, Mental Health first aid and Engineering in Schools. We continue to enjoy partnering with Dragonfly Training, AMCIS, AGBIS and ISC to deliver a diverse and comprehensive professional development programme. To complement our training programme, we have introduced IAPS iLearning – a digital, mobile solution to further meet the needs of IAPS staff.

You can download a copy of our 2019 - 20 Courses and Conferences Brochure
Bookings will open on Monday, 2 September 2019

View All Courses

Conference for IAPS Overseas Member Heads

in London,
25 Sep 2019

More Info

IAPS Annual Conference (for IAPS Member Heads Only)

in London
26 - 27 Sep 2019

More Info

Independent Schools SEND Conference in association with ISC

in London
15 Nov 2019

More Info

Good Governance and Leadership of Preparatory and Smaller Schools

in London
20 Nov 2019

More Info

Schools

Modern prep schools offer a superb standard of education for pupils, balancing traditional values with cutting edge teaching and learning. Far from the traditional cliché of old-fashioned uniforms, rigid discipline and academic rigour, one of the key strengths of IAPS is the wide variety of schools within its membership.

Whether you are looking for a single-sex or co-ed school, day or boarding, one with a particular religious affiliation or one that provides special educational provision and facilities, there is an IAPS school for you.

Find an IAPS school

Contact Us

The IAPS Headquarters are based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, UK.

11 Waterloo Place, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5LA
+44 (0)1926 887833
iaps@iaps.uk

Arriving by train? Walking directions to our office from Leamington Spa Rail Station can be viewed here.

There is very limited car parking on site. If you are visiting us, it is best to park in the Covent Garden multi-storey car park, which is in Russell Street. Please click here for a map.