If you've identified the secondary school you want your son to attend, the best way to secure his place there is by attending a prep school.

Choosing the right prep school for your son comes with a lot of considerations. You want ensure he feels supported, challenged and happy to learn each school day, while also receiving support for his future education. 

Finding a prep school that matches his personality, learning style and future goals helps set the foundation for his success.

Here, we've covered the key questions you should be asking the schools you're visiting to find out if they're the right fit for your son. These questions cover how a school’s values, teaching style and community can shape your son’s growth both inside and outside the classroom.

1. What is the school’s educational philosophy and approach to learning?

When choosing a prep school, you should first understand its educational philosophy. A school’s philosophy outlines the beliefs and values that guide teaching and learning. It shapes how teachers plan lessons, interact with students and measure progress.

Some schools follow traditional models that emphasise structure, discipline and academic achievement. Others adopt progressive or constructivist approaches that focus on creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Many schools will blend traditional with modern to find the right balance. The school's education philosophy strongly influences how your child experiences the curriculum each day.

You can ask how the school balances academic learning with personal development. For example, St Martin's blends a holistic approach to wellbeing with strong academic standards, shaping well-rounded young men who perform well academically and have the soft skills needed to succeed in school and life.

Understanding the school’s philosophy will help you decide whether its values align with your expectations for your son’s education.

2. How does the school support boys’ social and emotional development?

You should ask how the school helps your son build confidence, manage emotions and form positive relationships. A strong programme will include structured lessons or activities that teach empathy, communication and problem-solving.

Wellbeing is at the core of St Martin's; we know that nurturing academic skills in school isn't enough. Our motto is "better prepared", meaning our pupils leave St Martin's fully prepared for life's challenges – on an emotional, mental and academic level.

Finding out about the school's pastoral care offering is a key way to understanding how they'll support your son's emotional wellbeing. At St Martin's, our pastoral care is an always-on service that ensures our pupils are content and supported – because we know that happy children learn better.

Ask how the school monitors pupils’ emotional and social wellbeing and explore how the school involves parents and the wider community in its pastoral systems. Schools that value inclusion and communication create stronger support networks, helping pupils thrive both academically and personally.

Find out how teachers and staff receive training to recognise and respond to emotional needs. Consistent adult support and a positive school culture help boys feel understood and valued, which strengthens their sense of belonging.

3. What is the teacher-to-student ratio in classrooms?

When choosing a prep school, you should ask about the teacher-to-student ratio. This number shows how many students one teacher is responsible for. For example, a ratio of 1:25 means one teacher for every twenty-five students.

A smaller ratio, afforded by prep schools like St Martin's, allows teachers to give more individual attention to each student. It makes it easier for teachers to manage the classroom and offer personalised support. Here, our average class size is 16 pupils, meaning our teachers have the opportunity to spend time with each student throughout lessons.

This personalised attention directly impacts your child's academic results. Children who receive tailored instruction on the areas they're struggling with can improve their knowledge, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in their independent education.

4. What co-curricular activities are available for boys?

You should look for a school that offers a wide range of co-curricular clubs and activities. Options such as sports, music, art, coding and debate clubs help boys explore their interests and develop new skills. These activities can also strengthen teamwork and confidence outside the classroom.

Many prep schools provide clubs and societies that cater to different passions and abilities. At St Martin's, our rich co-curricular programme focuses on many areas, from creative arts to performance and sports. With over 60 clubs ,we ensure there's something for every pupil to enjoy.

It’s also useful to consider how activities support your son’s learning and personal growth. Extracurricular programmes enhance social and cognitive development, giving boys a chance to apply what they learn in class in real-world settings.

Choose a school that encourages balance. Let your son try different clubs until he finds what he enjoys most. When activities match his interests, he is more likely to stay motivated and gain a sense of purpose.

5. What are the school’s academic performance and inspection ratings?

It's important to check how well the school performs in exams and assessments – specifically, take a look at the success rate of pupils gaining admission to their chosen senior schools through Common Entrance exams. You should also take a look at the most common leavers' destinations to see if they align with your goals for your son's senior school.

Look at recent results for core subjects such as English, maths and science to assess academic rigour. Consistent progress and strong performance across year groups can signal good teaching and support.

Review the school’s Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) reports to understand its quality and effectiveness. The ISI inspects independent schools in England and rates them on teaching, leadership, behaviour and pupil development.

When reviewing ratings, consider both the overall judgement and the comments in each category. Reading the full inspection report helps you see the context behind the scores and decide whether the school’s strengths match your child’s needs.

6. How does the school prepare students for secondary education?

One of the most important elements of a prep school is how they prepare your child for entry to, and life in, selective secondary school. You should ask how the school helps pupils build the skills and confidence needed for the next stage of their education. A strong programme focuses on literacy, numeracy and independent learning. Teachers often introduce study habits and time management early to make the transition smoother.

A good prep school should follow a structured programme to ensure that your child has all the skills and knowledge needed to pass the 11+ or 13+ Common Entrance exams with ease. Their early education is pivotal for entrance into your chosen senior school, so speak to staff about how they ensure secondary school preparedness.

Ask about opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork and communication. These skills support success in later studies, including GCSEs that build transferable abilities like critical thinking.

7. How involved are parents in the school community?

You should ask how the school encourages parents to take part in its community and governance. Parental involvement can improve student motivation, attendance and achievement.

Find out if parents have a voice in school policies or planning. Some independent schools invite parents to join councils or committees where they can help shape decisions that affect pupils’ learning and wellbeing.

You should also ask how the school communicates with families. Schools that use open communication channels and regular feedback systems tend to build stronger partnerships. At St Martin's, we have a parent portal and Microsoft Teams channels to keep you up to date with your child's progress, so you never feel like you're missing out.

Frequently asked questions

When choosing the right prep school for your son, you should look closely at teaching quality, academic outcomes, values and student support. It's also worth considering the different entry points, from pre-prep school to years 3 and 7. The best prep schools balance strong academics with care for emotional wellbeing and offer meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom.

What factors should be considered when evaluating the academic reputation of a prep school?

You can start by reviewing exam results, ISI inspection reports and senior school acceptance data. If you're looking at prep schools and selective secondary schools in the same area, it's a good idea to check out the destinations where students tend to progress to. If your chosen secondary school is on there, that's a good sign that the prep school can secure entry for your child.

How can I assess the quality of teaching staff at potential prep schools?

Ask about teacher qualifications, experience and professional development. During a visit, observe how teachers interact with pupils and how engaged students appear in class. You can also check staff turnover rates, which may reflect performance, job satisfaction and school stability.

How can I ensure the school's ethos and values align with our family's beliefs?

Review the school’s mission statement and behaviour policies to see how they reflect respect, inclusion and personal responsibility. You may also want to ask how the school promotes kindness, integrity and community involvement. Understanding a school’s culture can help you decide if it supports your family’s priorities.

How can I understand how a prep school will support students' emotional wellbeing and mental health?

Ask about pastoral care systems, counselling availability and how teachers monitor emotional changes. Checking whether the school trains staff to identify and support mental health needs early can help put you at ease.