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Prep schools in Highgate

There are 5 independent prep schools in Highgate: 2 girls', 3 co-ed. The median day fee is £29,592 a year. A prep (preparatory) school is an independent school for children up to 11 or 13, preparing them for entry to senior schools at 11+ or 13+. Many start at 3 or 4 with a pre-prep or nursery.

Updated September 2026

Schools
5
Day fees
£17,370–£32,787 / year
Ages
2–18

Best-ranked prep schools in Highgate

By Houseroom Index score

  1. Highgate School
  2. Avenue Pre-Prep & Nursery School
  3. Highgate Junior School
  4. Channing School

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Every prep school in Highgate

All 5 independent prep schools in Highgate, A to Z.

Prep schools near Highgate

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Choosing a prep school in Highgate

11+ or 13+ leavers

Prep schools split by leaving age. Most London girls' and co-ed preps run to Year 6 and prepare for 11+ entry; many traditional boys' preps run to Year 8 and prepare for 13+ entry to schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester and Westminster, often via pre-tests in Year 6. Check which a prep is built for before you apply.

Entry points

The main entry points are 3+ or 4+ (nursery or reception), 7+ (Year 3) and, at some boys' preps, 8+. Entry at 4+ is usually by informal assessment or registration order; 7+ usually involves reading, maths and reasoning tests. Registration often closes well over a year before entry.

What to compare

Look at leavers' destinations over several years, not one; how many pupils win senior-school scholarships; class sizes; how much of the week goes to sport, music and drama; and whether the school supports 11+ or 13+ preparation in the timetable or expects outside tutoring.

Prep schools in Highgate: common questions

What are the best prep schools in Highgate?
The highest-scoring prep schools in Highgate on the Houseroom Index are Highgate School, Avenue Pre-Prep & Nursery School, Highgate Junior School and Channing School. The index weighs exam results, destinations, inspection and value.
How many prep schools are there in Highgate?
Houseroom lists 5 independent prep schools in Highgate.
How much do prep schools in Highgate cost?
Day fees at prep schools in Highgate range from £17,370–£32,787 a year, with a median of £29,592. Fees include 20% VAT since January 2025. Lunches, uniform and trips are usually extra.
What age do children start prep school?
Most prep schools take children from 3 or 4 into a pre-prep or nursery, with a second main entry at 7+ (Year 3). Some boys' preps also admit at 8+.
What is the difference between a prep school and a pre-prep?
A pre-prep teaches children from about 3 to 7. The prep school proper runs from 7 to 11 or 13. Many schools have both on one site, so children move up without a second admissions round.
Do prep schools prepare for the 11+ and 13+?
Yes. Preps that run to Year 6 prepare for 11+ entry to senior schools; preps that run to Year 8 prepare for 13+ entry, including the Common Entrance or a senior school's own assessment and any pre-tests in Year 6.

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