Prep schools across the UK & overseas
Explore 626 nursery, pre-prep and prep schools — day and boarding — across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and overseas. Save a shortlist, compare side by side, and talk to an adviser when you’re ready.
Start your search
Why prep school?
Every school is different — but these are the opportunities families most often discover. Use them as questions to bring to every visit.
Pictured: Cheam School01
Many prep schools have a nursery or pre-prep, so children can begin early and grow up in one familiar place.
Ask how the early years are taught, and how children move up.
335 schools taking three-year-olds
Pictured: The Prep at Denstone College02
Playing fields, woodland and outdoor classrooms are part of everyday life at many prep schools — in the countryside and in towns.
Ask how much of the week is spent outdoors.
Explore the map
Pictured: Eaton House The Manor Preparatory School03
Matches, choirs, productions and clubs often sit alongside lessons, giving children many ways to find what they love.
Ask what is included in the day, and what costs extra.
Read the parent guides
Pictured: Gordonstoun Junior School04
As children move up, prep schools often introduce specialist teaching in subjects such as science, languages and art.
Ask when specialist teaching begins.
Browse every school
Pictured: Brambletye School05
Some prep schools offer flexi, weekly or full boarding alongside day places, so families can choose the rhythm that suits them.
Compare a whole week, not just the school day.
119 schools with boarding
Pictured: Dair House School06
Prep schools guide families through the move to senior school, usually at 11 or 13 — from pre-tests and interviews to Common Entrance and scholarships.
Ask where pupils go next, and how the school supports that choice.
Talk it through with an adviserThe directory
547 UK schools are pinned on this map, with 40 more overseas in 20 countries, from Madrid to Singapore. Choose a region to see what is near you.
A glimpse of the directory
A fresh selection from across the directory every day — not a ranking.
How it works
Search by name, town or postcode, then narrow by day or boarding, pupils, region and your child’s age.
Tap the heart on up to three schools. Your shortlist stays on this device — no account needed.
See your schools side by side, then talk to the WBS team about visits, entry points and next steps.
The journal
Choosing a school
Compare daily routines, boarding patterns and support before deciding what to visit. A practical guide to the questions to ask each school.
Choosing a school
Take useful questions on your next school visit, covering teaching, pastoral care, daily routines, costs and the things your child wants to know.
Choosing a school
Turn a long list into schools worth visiting. Compare entry points, journeys, support and costs, and keep track of the questions that matter.
Personal guidance
The Which British School team can help you think about your child, your shortlist, entry points and visits.
