King Edward VI Preparatory School

"King Edward Preparatory School's values are 'Honesty, Respect and Happiness.' It's motto is 'Forever Undaunted.'"

King Edward VI Preparatory School.

King Edward VI Preparatory School is an exciting, independent preparatory school where boys and girls aged 2 to 11 years old thrive in its unique family environment. It is the feeder school to King Edward VI, Southampton and offers the all-important foundations to a successful onward journey as well as its Head’s Recommendation Scheme, where children achieving at the appropriate level in their studies by the end of Year 5 are given a guaranteed place at our senior school, King Edward VI, Southampton, for Year 7. 

 Its ambition is to ensure its children flourish and become the very best version of themselves. King Edward VI Preparatory (KES Prep) strives to uncover and nurture talents and passions, develop strength of character and promote a deep love of learning. It is hugely ambitious for its children but does not believe academic rigour has to be to the detriment of a happy childhood. Thriving outside the classroom is just as important as innovating within it: KES Prep wants its children to be confident advocates for change and powerful contributors to society.

The School stands in 22 acres of beautiful rural countryside and its pupils hail from both Wiltshire and Hampshire. In 2012, it became the preparatory school for King Edward VI School, Southampton, bringing together two highly successful academic Hampshire independent schools. Since then, both schools have continued to develop the strands that unite them whilst acknowledging the two unique parts of its 2-18 journey.

Its collective ambition to offer outstanding academic provision sits alongside a drive to promote the wellbeing and pastoral development of all its children. KES Prep offers an idyllic childhood experience, blending academic excellence with outdoor pursuits, plenty of sports, visual and performing arts and a wealth of extra-curricular activities.  It also proudly offers a Head’s Recommendation Scheme, where current pupils achieving at the appropriate level in their studies by the end of Year 5 will be given a guaranteed place at our senior school, King Edward VI, Southampton, for Year 7, without the risks and anxiety associated with an external examination route.

It is a school with a strong academic record, fantastic sports facilities, and links to other strong academic secondary schools. Its curriculum achieves the highest academic standard without compromising the key skills its children need to be successful in the workplace and generally in life. Life at KES Prep offers a heavy dose of outdoor activity, the buzz of creative arts, competitive sport and a strong academic tradition and a route to King Edward VI. Visitors are genuinely impressed by the children: they are articulate, confident, well-mannered, and considerate.

Sport assumes an inclusive approach at KES Prep: it was, in fact, one of the first schools to offer cricket to all boys and girls from Year 3 upwards, suggesting a willingness to embrace new ideas.

ISI Rating:

KES Prep achieved an excellent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2024. The top grading was achieved in both academic achievement and personal development and was recognised as such from Nursery to Year 6.

Forest Explorers Open Event. Friday 14 March 2025.  9.45am – 11.45am

 Come and experience the magic of Early Years at King Edward VI Preparatory School!

 We’re excited to invite families with children aged 2 to 5 years to our Forest Explorers Open Event. This fun and interactive event is a great opportunity to explore our Nursery and Reception settings, where we encourage creativity, exploration, and outdoor learning. Whether you’re considering a place in our Nursery or Reception, this event offers a glimpse into the world of discovery, creativity, and care that defines Early Years at KES Prep.

 To view our Senior School, please click here:-

King Edward VI, Southampton

 

• Co-Ed
• Day
• Nursery, Prep, Pre-Prep