Preparatory and pre-preparatory schools
Preparatory (prep) schools accept pupils from the age of 7 until 11 (girls) or 13 (boys). Many also have pre-prep (5-7 year olds) and nursery schools attached.

Most prep schools are preparing children for the Common Entrance examination for entry to independent senior schools, or for entry to schools which set their own entrance exams. However, in areas in which a number of pupils go on to state secondary (often selective) schools, prep schools may have a wider focus.

Senior schools
Senior schools accept pupils from the age of 11 or 13. Most boarding schools use the Common Entrance examination as a means of assessing whether or not a child has the right level of ability for the school, although they have their own entry exams for children who are not already in the UK prep school system.

Boarding Schools
Boarding Schools are simply Independent Schools which offer accommodation.