Choosing the Right Prep School for Your Child: 10 Key Questions to Ask

Choosing the right prep school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child’s education. These alternatives to all-through schools prepare children for prestigious secondary education.

The school environment, teaching style and values will shape not only academic progress but also personal growth and confidence. By asking the right questions, you can make sure the school aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.

You want a clear picture of how an independent school performs, how it supports pupils and what opportunities it offers beyond the classroom. From academic results to pastoral care  and extracurricular activities, each factor plays a role in finding the best fit. Open days offer the ideal opportunity to ask about these important areas.

Here are the questions you should be asking of your prospective schools on your open day visits.

1. What are the school's academic results and typical 11+ or 13+ destinations?

You should begin by looking at the school’s academic results. Exam outcomes give you a clear picture of pupil performance and teaching standards. Consistent results over several years usually show the school creates high performers.

Many prep schools publish their 11+ and 13+ entry success, as well as results for any exams they carry out throughout a child's journey. The overall goal of a prep school is to prepare your child for entry to prestigious senior schools, so the best way to measure their success is through the percentage of children securing admission to their chosen schools.

It also helps to see where pupils move on after prep school. If you already have a secondary destination in mind, it's a good idea to ask if the school has any links to that school or if they've had previous pupils gain entry to that school. If you're open to your options, discuss the schools that children can move onto and how the school helps them prepare for that.

When you review destinations, consider both the range of schools and the suitability for different abilities. A broad spread of outcomes often shows that pupils receive guidance tailored to their strengths.

2. How does the school support individual learning needs and abilities?

You should ask how the school identifies and responds to different learning needs. Some schools use assessments, observations, or interviews to understand each child’s strengths and challenges. This helps teachers plan lessons that are accessible and engaging for all pupils.

Find out what support is available for children with special educational needs or disabilities. Many schools offer dedicated support for SEND pupils. At Rose Hill School, this is delivered by our Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo). We implement SEND children's educational health care plans (EHCP) and offer booster activities to ensure our pupils have their needs met and aren't disadvantaged against their neurotypical peers.

It is also useful to ask about classroom strategies. For example, some schools adapt teaching methods, provide extra resources or offer small group support. Small class sizes at Rose Hill School mean that teachers can offer one-to-one support to all pupils, ensuring nobody falls behind.

You may also want to know how the school supports children who learn at a faster pace. Some schools extend learning through enrichment activities, advanced tasks, or clubs. This ensures that high achievers stay motivated while still being part of the wider class.

3. What pastoral care and wellbeing provisions are in place?

When choosing a prep school, you should ask how the school supports your child’s personal and emotional needs as well as their academic progress. Pastoral care covers areas such as safety, wellbeing and social development. It helps create an environment where children feel secure and understood.

Look at whether the school has clear structures for pastoral support. Rose Hill School, for example, has a dedicated pastoral care team that is available to all students and gives teachers the tools needed to offer support in lessons. The team runs drop-in sessions, and older pupils act as PALS (playground assistant leaders) to support younger pupils.

You should also ask how the school promotes mental health and resilience. Some schools teach strategies to cope with stress and anxiety, while others provide safe spaces for pupils to seek help when needed. Activities like Wellness Week can highlight the importance of good mental health and wellbeing. Effective systems encourage children to speak up and access support.

It is also worth finding out how the school works with parents if they identify a child who is struggling. Schools that value collaboration between staff and families often provide stronger, more consistent support for pupils’ wellbeing.

4. Can you describe the school's approach to discipline and behaviour management?

When you visit a school, ask how teachers handle misbehaviour and how they encourage positive behaviour. A clear and consistent approach helps children understand expectations and feel secure in the classroom.

You should also find out if the school has a formal behaviour policy. It is important to know whether the school focuses mainly on punishment or on teaching children to make better choices. Some schools use strategies that promote positive reinforcement and restorative practices.

Rose Hill School implements a rewards-first approach, which encourages and reinforces positive behaviour and limiting negative behaviour. A collaborative approach to negative behaviour, rather than a punishment-led approach, helps us address the root cause of issues.

Finally, check whether parents are kept informed and involved. Consistent communication between home and school can help reinforce expectations and provide children with a stronger sense of accountability. This collaboration is central to our approach at Rose Hill.

5. What extracurricular activities and clubs are available?

When you visit a prep school, ask about the range of clubs and activities on offer. These opportunities help your child explore interests outside the classroom and develop new skills. They can also inform your child's GCSE options.

Some schools provide a wide choice, from sports and music to coding and drama. We have a focus on sports and creative arts at Rose Hill, which develops a lot of key soft skills from confidence and teamwork to leadership and creative expression. Academic work is complemented by project work as part of our creative curriculum.

You should also check when activities take place. Clubs can run before lessons, during lunch or after the school day. This can make it easier to fit activities into your child’s routine.

Finally, consider how the school balances academic work with extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities give children the opportunity to hone new skills and explore their passions, but it's important that it doesn't come at the detriment of their main school work.

6. How does the school prepare pupils for senior school entrance exams?

You should ask how the school introduces pupils to exam formats such as the 11+ or 13+. Some schools use practice papers and timed assessments so pupils become familiar with the style of questions and the pace needed on the day.

Find out whether the school provides structured support for the Common Entrance exams. This may include subject-specific teaching, revision sessions and feedback on progress.

It is also worth checking how the school balances exam preparation with wider learning. Schools often stress that while results matter, they also want pupils to show curiosity and confidence in interviews, which are a common part of senior school admissions.

You may want to ask how the school supports pupils emotionally during this process. Entrance exams can be stressful, and schools that build resilience and encourage steady preparation often help pupils feel calmer and better prepared.

7. What are the school's ethos and core values?

When you look at a prep school, the ethos and values show you what the school stands for. These principles shape how teachers approach learning and how pupils are encouraged to grow, and they should align with your family values.

A prep school with a clear ethos often provides a more consistent environment for children. For example, some schools focus on character and resilience, while others highlight creativity or academic achievement.

You should ask how the school’s values are put into practice each day. This might include how teachers support pupils, how success is measured or how behaviour is guided. We use the five keys to guide everything we do at Rose Hill:

• Resilience
• Organisation
• Persistence
• Confidence
• Being able to get along.

These keys highlight the attributes we nurture in our pupils, equipping them with essential life skills that benefit them in education and for the rest of their lives.

By focusing on ethos, you can better judge if the school’s culture will support your child’s personal and academic development.

8. Should my child stay on to 11+ or 13+?

Many parents will have their child's preferred secondary school in mind. But if you're open to your options, you might want to know about whether your child should stay in prep school until year 6 or year 8.

There are benefits to both options, and it's all about weighing up the best option for your child. Staying on to 13+ offers children more time to prepare for their future education. At Rose Hill, they'll benefit from reduced fees, smaller class sizes and specialist teaching to give them the best chance of success from year 9 onwards.

Learn more about the benefits of staying in prep school until year 8.

9. How does the school communicate with parents and involve them in school life?

You should ask how the school keeps you informed about your child’s progress and daily life. Some independent schools use emails, newsletters or apps, while others rely on meetings and phone calls. Clear and regular updates help you stay connected.

Ask how parents are involved in decision-making or school activities. Some schools invite parents to join committees, attend workshops or take part in events. Engaging parents in school life can strengthen the sense of community and support your child’s learning.

Find out if the school encourages two-way communication. Schools that ask for parent feedback or invite questions often build stronger relationships. At Rose Hill, we do this with our Parents' Association, Parent Advisory Group and a range of communication methods. We have a Parent Portal, where we share important updates, plus ParentMail and newsletters to keep you up to date.

10. What is the student to teacher ratio at the school?

You should ask about class sizes and the average number of pupils per teacher. A lower ratio often means more individual attention and quicker feedback. This can be especially important in the early years when strong foundations are built.

Smaller class sizes can also encourage pupils who may be a bit shy to get more involved in their class and ask questions if needed. Larger classes can feel more intimidating to children, and they also limit teachers' ability to offer individualised support.