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
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at member schools across the UK and overseas.

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Find the right school for your child
Our members lead a variety of outstanding schools
many with world-class reputations.

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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 @ABAonline: CALLING ALL SCHOOLS: pupils can now nominate their member of school staff who goes above and beyond to tackle bullying for o…
16:48 PM - 19 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @SVSPrep: We are the only independent School in Kent to have been awarded an Early Years Quality Mark! We're planning a big party to cel…
11:15 AM - 19 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
Latest Headlines out and available in members' section for heads: @DavidDavisMP speaking at #IAPSConf19;… https://t.co/QYXU0Iuk4e
17:25 PM - 17 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
Schools play a crucial role in supporting children’s mental health provision. Get practical skills and knowledge to… https://t.co/eahD6v4kLX
15:04 PM - 17 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @iapsuksport: It is only one week to go until the first sport events take place for the autumn term. First up is girls’ hockey, followed…
14:01 PM - 16 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
Delighted to welcome @SIMSIndependent as our first #IAPSPremierPartner - helping prep schools deliver better outcom… https://t.co/3ptGePRPEP
13:21 PM - 16 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
It's #NationalTADay Celebrate your teaching assistants - where would we be without them?! https://t.co/33CKPhj3Vp
8:44 AM - 16 Sep 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @MonktonHead: Helpful exposure of the contradictions that sit at the heart of the Labour discussion to abolish private schools. Independ…
19:25 PM - 15 Sep 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

View All Courses

Conference for IAPS Overseas Member Heads

in London,
25 Sep 2019

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IAPS Annual Conference (for IAPS Member Heads Only)

in London
26 - 27 Sep 2019

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Members' Induction (by invitation only)

in Leamington Spa
07 Oct 2019

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Maximising your effectiveness as a TA (a joint Dragonfly Training and IAPS course)

in London
08 Oct 2019

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Pastoral Support: mental health and wellbeing for your school community:What path are you on?

in Leamington Spa
05 Nov 2019

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Building positive relationships with parents

in Birmingham
07 Nov 2019

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Science: thinking, doing, talking science

in Headington
11 Nov 2019

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Engineering: an introduction to teaching engineering in prep schools

in Cambridge
12 Nov 2019

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Independent Schools SEND Conference in association with ISC

in London
15 Nov 2019

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Drama: Devising - the anarchy and alchemy of storytelling

in St albans
18 Nov 2019

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Good governance and leadership of preparatory and smaller schools

in London
20 Nov 2019

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Music: conducting for choirs and orchestras - essential knowledge and the difference between the two

in London
21 Nov 2019

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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.