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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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 @SIMSIndependent: Did you know that SIMS Independent has been providing support, guidance and innovation to schools for over 30 years? F…
7:59 AM - 21 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @KHSprep: It was a pleasure to welcome Rt Hon Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom & Ewell, to @KingswoodHouse this morning for a chat about the…
8:57 AM - 20 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @MarkIAPS: The govt have issued Brexit guidance for schools @iapsuk https://t.co/NYmkJGpjcw
19:31 PM - 19 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @iapsuksport: Spring term events are still open for entries. Don't forget to book your place before the deadline, Friday 29 November! #I…
19:30 PM - 19 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
Messing about in boats... @Moulsford link up with local charity @RivertimeTrust https://t.co/CiSRdFBAEv
11:18 AM - 18 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
RT @iapsuksport: Due to adverse weather conditions forecast by the Met Office, the U11 girls’ hockey qualifier, due to take place at Eastbo…
19:49 PM - 17 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
@swanbournehouse announces partnership with @theCALMzone mental health charity https://t.co/1YqoblJN2X
10:30 AM - 17 Oct 2019 by @iapsuk
Busy couple of days for U11 boys #IAPSfootball and U11/U13 girls #IAPShockey. Thank you @LambrookSchool… https://t.co/mi3ENBKdvv
9:03 AM - 17 Oct 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

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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Finance: the school as a business

in Birmingham
27 Nov 2019

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Geography: inspirational geography teaching

in London
28 Nov 2019

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Helping NQTs and RQTs to communicate effectively with parents

in Birmingham
05 Dec 2019

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Preparation for Headship

in Leamington Spa
09 - 11 Jan 2020

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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.