Prep schools in Sutton
There are 5 independent prep schools in Sutton: 2 girls', 1 boys', 2 co-ed. The median day fee is £17,999 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 October 2026
- Schools
- 5
- Day fees
- £7,902–£26,187 / year
- Ages
- 3–18
Compare prep schools in Sutton
Compare schools side by sideEvery prep school in Sutton
All 5 independent prep schools in Sutton, A to Z.
- Brookways SchoolCo-ed · Ages 7–16 · Day
- Collingwood SchoolCo-ed · Ages 3–11 · Day
- Homefield Preparatory SchoolBoys · Ages 3–13 · Day
- Seaton House SchoolGirls · Ages 3–11 · Day
- Sutton High School GDSTGirls · Ages 3–18 · Day
Prep schools near Sutton
Top-ranked prep schools in neighbouring areas.
- Cumnor House Girls' SchoolCroydon
- Elmhurst SchoolCroydon
- King's College School, WimbledonMerton
- The Rowans SchoolMerton
- Shrewsbury House SchoolKingston upon Thames
- Surbiton High SchoolKingston upon Thames
Choosing a prep school in Sutton
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 Sutton: common questions
- What are the best prep schools in Sutton?
- The highest-scoring prep schools in Sutton on the Houseroom Index are Sutton High School GDST and Collingwood School. The index weighs exam results, destinations, inspection and value.
- How many prep schools are there in Sutton?
- Houseroom lists 5 independent prep schools in Sutton.
- How much do prep schools in Sutton cost?
- Day fees at prep schools in Sutton range from £7,902–£26,187 a year, with a median of £17,999. 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.




