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Prep schools in Southwark

There are 11 independent prep schools in Southwark: 1 girls', 2 boys', 8 co-ed. The median day fee is £23,850 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
11
Day fees
£7,113–£31,986 / year
Ages
0–18

Best-ranked prep schools in Southwark

By Houseroom Index score

  1. Alleyn's School
  2. Herne Hill School
  3. Imperial Oak School
  4. Dulwich Prep & Senior

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Every prep school in Southwark

All 11 independent prep schools in Southwark, A to Z.

Prep schools near Southwark

Top-ranked prep schools in neighbouring areas.

Choosing a prep school in Southwark

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 Southwark: common questions

What are the best prep schools in Southwark?
The highest-scoring prep schools in Southwark on the Houseroom Index are Alleyn's School, Herne Hill School, Imperial Oak School and Dulwich Prep & Senior. The index weighs exam results, destinations, inspection and value.
How many prep schools are there in Southwark?
Houseroom lists 11 independent prep schools in Southwark.
How much do prep schools in Southwark cost?
Day fees at prep schools in Southwark range from £7,113–£31,986 a year, with a median of £23,850. 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.