The IAPS was established in 1892 as the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools and has been an accrediting and oversight body for preparatory schools in the United Kingdom and overseas since. The IAPS is one of the constituent organisations of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) meaning that all members are under the remit of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Indeed, it is a requirement for IAPS membership candidates to have been inspected by the ISI and for the school to maintain a clear, broad curriculum in accordance with IAPS defined criteria.

IAPS performs a number of roles on behalf of its members, including representing the sector to government, coordinating curricula and sporting competitions and setting programmes for schools management and holiday schedules.

Membership of the IAPS is considered to be quite prestigious with a number of international junior schools seeking accreditation. The schools that comprise the association’s members are a broad mix of traditional preparatory schools, faith schools, single-sex schools, progressive schools and junior boarding schools as well as both schools attached to secondary schools and fully independent schools.

With over 600 members, membership may vary but has included those schools listed below. For the latest information about the IAPS and its members, please contact the IAPS directly or speak to your preferred school.