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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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

One day course on an introduction to teaching engineering in prep schools @St_Faiths https://t.co/jE7zLFXEfx Monday, 12 November (Cambridge)
17:07 PM - 22 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
RT @ISC_schools: There are currently more than 1,000 sporting partnerships each year between independent and state sector schools, enabling…
19:27 PM - 20 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
@ISC_schools SEND conference (Friday, 16 November in London). This prestigious conference is aimed at SENCOS, Direc… https://t.co/sY10d17727
16:15 PM - 19 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
RT @MarkIAPS: We must allow children to take risks when they play https://t.co/y7tpBoWua6
7:18 AM - 19 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
New research shows economic impact of independent schools on the UK economy @ISC_schools @JulieR_isc https://t.co/tz8Bjc2RDg
16:52 PM - 16 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
GIS for prep schools https://t.co/oQI7y06kcx One day course on making the purpose of GIS representation clearer for… https://t.co/ODEchDuhWC
18:48 PM - 15 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
RT @andrewiex: The deadline for the i25 is approaching: October 20 at midnight! Nominate the independent school sector innovators and influ…
15:57 PM - 15 Oct 2018 by @iapsuk
RT @HeadPrepYarm: Round 3 underway in the Yarm Team Chess Championship. 120 chess players from across Teesside are here to compete. Superb…
13:15 PM - 13 Oct 2018 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 and Engineering in Schools. We are excited to be welcoming Professor John Hattie to the IAPS circuit, where he will be presenting a conference at Wellington College based around Visible Learning. We continue to enjoy partnering with Dragonfly Training, Independent Thinking Ltd, AMCIS 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 2018-19 Courses and Conferences Brochure.

View All Courses

What the Best Schools Know and Do

in Crowthorne, West Berkshire
06 Nov 2018

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Music: A Gift for Life; How to Unlock the Treasure Chest of Music for Future Generations

in Birmingham
08 Nov 2018

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An Introduction to Teaching Engineering in Prep Schools

in Cambridge
12 Nov 2018

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ISC SEND Conference 2018

in London
16 Nov 2018

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Drama Boot Camp - Why Re-invent the Wheel?

in St albans
19 Nov 2018

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Finance: The School as a Business

in Birmingham
22 Nov 2018

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Middle Management

in Leamington Spa
26 - 27 Nov 2018

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Geography: Geographic Information System (GIS) for Prep Schools

in Tilsley Park, Abingdon
29 Nov 2018

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Members' Induction (by invitation only)

in Leamington Spa
04 Dec 2018

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Preparation for Headship

in Leamington Spa
10 - 12 Jan 2019

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Members' Induction (by invitation only)

in Leamington Spa
17 Jan 2019

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Spoon Feed No More! (a joint Dragonfly and IAPS course)

in Birmingham
21 Jan 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.