If you've decided that you'll be sending your child to a prep school rather than a state-funded school, you'll need to understand the admissions process.

Gaining admissions to a prep school differs from state schools because you don't need to apply through your local authority. Because prep schools are independent institutions, each may have slight differences in its admissions policy, but they'll usually follow similar steps.

Here, we're breaking down the key steps in the prep school admissions process so you can secure your child's entry to their chosen school.

1. Start with a taster visit

The first step in applying to prep school is seeing your prospective educational institutions in action. Not only is this a great way to get a real feel for the school, but it's recommended – and in some cases required – ahead of applying for admission.

At St Martin’s, you can book a private tour or attend an open day where you can:

• explore our classrooms and outdoor spaces
• meet our headmaster and teaching staff
• observe day-to-day school life
• ask us any questions you might have

This taster visit helps you gauge whether a school’s ethos, atmosphere and opportunities align with your child’s needs. 

Tip: Ahead of your open day or tour, prepare questions about pastoral support, class sizes and how the school nurtures confidence alongside academic achievement. These factors, alongside the school's test scores, ensure that your child receives a balanced and holistic education.

2. Register your interest early

Once you’ve decided you’d like to apply, the next formal step is registration. Usually, when you register at a prep school, you'll complete a registration form and pay a small registration fee to secure your place. This ensures your child has the best chance of success, especially at in-demand schools like St Martin's.

Registration helps the school allocate places, so the earlier you apply, the better. Keep in mind that some entry points fill quickly, especially popular ones like nursery, reception, year 3 and year 7.

You might also want to explore whether or not your chosen school has additional entry points. At St Martin's, we'll consider applications outside of our main entry points, because we understand that there may be mitigating circumstances like moving or issues with your child's previous school.

3. Attend assessment and taster days

A key part of the prep admissions process is getting to know your child in person. Some schools, like St Martin's, hold formal and informal assessments, while others will simply see how your child interacts with their environment.

Here's a taster of what our standardised assessment days look like at St Martin's.

Nursery and Pre-Prep (ages 3–5)

For nursery and reception, our assessments are friendly play-based sessions where teachers interact with children to see how they engage, communicate and explore. These sessions are designed to be enjoyable and natural, giving children a chance to shine without pressure. 

Year 3 (age 7+)

At this primary entry point for prep school, we invite boys to an assessment day where they:

• sit age-appropriate English and maths assessments
• have time to interact with other children and staff
• experience school life firsthand

Year 7 (11+)

For boys joining in key stage 2, we hold a trial day with tailored assessments in maths and English again. This helps both the school and family see if the environment and expectations are the right fit at this transition stage, particularly as your child will be moving onto their chosen selective secondary school in just two short years.

4. Receive and accept your offer

After taster days or assessment days, your chosen schools will communicate their decisions. At St Martin’s, you’ll usually hear within 24 hours of assessment or taster days; we offer a quick turnaround so you can plan your next steps with clarity. 

Once you receive an offer, you’ll typically be sent a confirmation letter and information about your next steps, such as paying deposits or attending transition events before the start of term. Some schools use strict admission criteria, like grades, while others are less selective.

5. Transition support

A thoughtful prep school admissions process includes support beyond your child's offer of a place. Many schools, including St Martin’s, invite new pupils to pre-start events and transition activities that help:

• build familiarity with teachers and peers
• introduce routines and expectations
• reduce first-day nerves.

This investment in transition supports confidence and helps children begin school feeling secure and ready.

What makes prep school admissions unique?

UK prep schools operate independently of local authority procedures. This means that instead of applying through your local authority, you apply directly to the school, working closely with the admissions team through each stage.

Many schools look for a mix of academic potential and personal qualities like curiosity, resilience and collaboration. Assessments are usually age-appropriate and supportive, giving children the best opportunity to demonstrate both their personal attributes and academic skills.

Frequently asked questions

Prep school is a key step in your child's education, especially if you have a selective secondary school in mind for them. It's important to familiarise yourself with the admissions process to ensure your child has the best chance of entry. Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions around the prep school admissions process.

When should I start the prep school admissions process?

It’s best to begin early – ideally at least a year before your child’s intended start date – so you don’t miss open days or registration deadlines. At St Martin's, for example, our registration deadlines are generally in the October the year before your child will start with us.

Are admissions assessments like exams?

For schools that carry out admission assessment, it generally depends on their age. For younger years, meetings and play-based tasks are informal and allow staff to observe how your child interacts with the environment. Older entry points, like year 3 and 7, sometimes include English and maths assessments to ensure prospective pupils can keep up with the challenging curriculum.

Can my child join outside the usual age groups?

This depends on your chosen prep school. Many schools, including St Martin’s, consider in-year admissions or non-standard entry if spaces are available. It's best to contact the admissions team at your prospective school to discuss options. 

Do all prep schools follow the same process?

Each school sets its own admissions policy, but generally they will follow this loose process:

• visit
• registration (including a form and registration fee)
• assessment or taster days
• offer of acceptance.

Always check directly with the school you’re applying to and contact its admissions department if you have any questions.

What should I look for during a school visit?

Ask about pastoral care, teaching philosophy, transition support and how academic progress is tracked. Make sure the environment feels supportive and welcoming for your child. You may also want to explore school reports to find out about the school's strengths and potential weaknesses.