York House School on prep preservation

Jon Gray, Head of York House School in Hertfordshire, on what makes standalone prep schools unique – and how we preserve that education choice

The population of standalone prep schools in this country has been in decline for several years. Diseconomies of scale are a challenge, as are the growing bureaucratic demands on a sector that has experienced eroded independence for decades. This has led to a growing trend of prep schools looking to secure their futures via mergers and acquisitions within larger educational groups or senior schools. It’s no secret that the current economy is not a friend to the smaller business and so the idea of collaborating with a larger organisation that is better equipped to weather the storm can understandably be an attractive proposition.

This trend is occurring at a time when independent schools need more complex staff expertise – whether that be in diversity and inclusion, mental health, safeguarding or technology. the list is long and still growing. Prep schools of 25 years ago did not need compliance officers, HR managers or, indeed, a finance team capable of coping with the imposition of VAT on school fees. 

If you also consider the landscape today, the number of pupils going from prep to senior boarding is decreasing, as is the distance that families expect to commute to and from school. Many in the sector will recall that the typical prep school of yesterday was in the countryside, had boarders, was often single sex and with provision up to 13 years. The modern prep may be more likely to meet with success as a co-educational day school, close to an urban centre and catering for children up to age 11. 

“Prep schools are traditionally all about preserving childhood. They are about safety, playing with friends and building emotional resilience”

Prep schools need to consider how they fit into that new marketplace. This is not just about weathering the current storm but choosing a path that is right for the future of the school. Preps set out to deliver a unique and child-centred approach. The value of this education is in its ability to offer a point of difference. For example, some prep schools are all about adventure and the outdoors, while others push their incredible pastoral care, their diverse co-curricular offering or the specific personality of the school – what it is ‘known’ for delivering in education and personal growth.

The central point is that prep schools are traditionally all about preserving childhood. They are about safety, playing with friends, nurturing happiness and building emotional resilience – they are not subject-centred. Standalone prep schools are also unique in their ability to give credible advice to families on the best onward destination – based on years of knowledge of both children taught and different senior school approaches.

Of course, all prep schools must look to build multiple revenue streams, achieve economies, and modernise processes through AI and other technology to compete in a rapidly evolving market. Strong communication with families – not just school parents – is also vital to justify existence and preserve prep school uniqueness. This is important so that children can continue to enjoy a happy, genuine childhood – and parents can still exercise a choice about the education environment best suited to their children.  

York House School york-house.com

Further reading: Aberdour School on building confidence