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Prep schools in Hillingdon

There are 6 independent prep schools in Hillingdon: 2 girls', 1 boys', 3 co-ed. The median day fee is £26,166 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
6
Day fees
£11,760–£36,000 / year
Ages
2–19

Best-ranked prep schools in Hillingdon

By Houseroom Index score

  1. Northwood College for Girls GDST
  2. St. Helen's College
  3. St Helen's School
  4. ACS Hillingdon International School
  5. St John's School

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Every prep school in Hillingdon

All 6 independent prep schools in Hillingdon, A to Z.

Prep schools near Hillingdon

Top-ranked prep schools in neighbouring areas.

Choosing a prep school in Hillingdon

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 Hillingdon: common questions

What are the best prep schools in Hillingdon?
The highest-scoring prep schools in Hillingdon on the Houseroom Index are Northwood College for Girls GDST, St. Helen's College, St Helen's School, ACS Hillingdon International School and St John's School. The index weighs exam results, destinations, inspection and value.
How many prep schools are there in Hillingdon?
Houseroom lists 6 independent prep schools in Hillingdon.
How much do prep schools in Hillingdon cost?
Day fees at prep schools in Hillingdon range from £11,760–£36,000 a year, with a median of £26,166. 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.