If you are new to the world of independent education, you may be wondering what a prep school actually is, how it differs from a state primary school, and whether it could be the right choice for your child. It is a question we are asked often at Manor House School, and we are always happy to explain, because we believe that informed parents make the best decisions for their children.
The basics: what does ‘prep school’ mean?
Prep school is short for preparatory school. The name comes from the school’s original purpose: to prepare children for entry into independent senior schools. In the UK, prep schools typically cater for children from around age four to eleven, though some extend to thirteen. They sit within the independent, fee-paying sector and are separate from the state school system.
At Manor House School, our prep school welcomes pupils from Year 1 through to Year 6, building on the foundations laid in our Nursery and Kindergarten and preparing them for a confident transition into senior school.
How is a prep school different from a state primary?
There are several meaningful differences between a private prep school and a state primary school, though it is worth saying that both can provide excellent education. In an independent prep school in Surrey like Manor House, class sizes are typically smaller, which means more individual attention for every pupil. Teachers are often specialists in their subjects rather than generalists, and the curriculum frequently goes beyond the National Curriculum to offer greater breadth and depth.
The school day at a prep school often includes a wider range of subjects and co-curricular activities, music, drama, art, sport, languages and more, integrated into the week rather than treated as extras. Pastoral care is also a central feature of the prep school experience, with strong relationships between staff, pupils and families at the heart of how the school operates.
What happens at the end of prep school?
At age eleven, most prep school pupils sit assessments for entry into independent senior schools. A good prep school will guide families through this process carefully, helping pupils to find the senior school that is the best match for them, academically, socially and personally. Manor House School is part of the Effingham Schools Trust, with girls transitioning across to St Teresa’s for Year 7. Boys will have transitioned to Cranmore in Year 3. Our admissions team supports every family through the transition with care and expertise.
Is a girls’ prep school different again?
From Year 3 to Year 6, Manor House School offers education for girls only. At a girls’ independent school like Manor House, there is an additional dimension to the prep school experience. Research consistently shows that girls in single-sex environments tend to engage more confidently in all subjects, including those like STEM, where girls in mixed settings can sometimes hold back. Free from social pressures and stereotypes, girls at Manor House are encouraged to be curious, ambitious and wholly themselves.
Finding out more
If you would like to learn more about what prep school life looks like at Manor House, we would love to welcome you for a visit. Our open days and school tours are a wonderful opportunity to meet our staff, see our facilities and get a real sense of our school community. You can also download our prospectus for a fuller picture of everything we offer.
