UK Private School Glossary: Key Terms, Exams & Admissions Explained
Understanding UK private school terms is essential for navigating admissions, entry points and school types. This guide explains key words and phrases used across independent schools - from prep and senior school to exams like the 11+, ISEB Pre-Test and GCSEs - to help families make informed decisions with confidence.
Quick Navigation
School Types & Structure
Admissions & Entry Points
Exams & Assessments
Boarding & School Life
Fees & Financial Support
Academic Calendar & Terms
SEND (Special Educational Needs)
FAQs: UK Private School Terms
What is a prep school?
A prep school educates children aged 7–13 and prepares them for entry into senior schools at 11+ or 13+.
What is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ is an entrance assessment used by many independent schools, typically including English, Maths and reasoning.
What is the ISEB Pre-Test?
The ISEB Pre-Test is an online assessment used by many schools for 11+ and 13+ entry.
What is a selective private school?
Selective schools require entrance exams, interviews and academic reports as part of the admissions process.
What is the difference between day and boarding schools?
Day pupils attend school during the day, while boarders live at school during term time.
Private School Types & Structure
What are academies and free schools?
State-funded schools run independently of local authorities, with flexibility over curriculum and operations.
What is a co-educational (mixed) school?
A school where boys and girls are educated together — the most common format in the UK.
What is an independent school?
A fee-paying school (also known as a private or public school) operating independently of government funding.
What is an independent special school?
An independent school designed for pupils with additional learning needs.
What is an infant school?
A state school for children aged 4–7 (Key Stage 1).
What is a junior school?
A state school for children aged 7–11 (Key Stage 2).
What is a pre-prep school?
An independent school for children aged 3–7, focused on early years education.
What is a prep school?
An independent school for children aged 7–11 or 7–13, preparing pupils for senior school entry.
What is a primary school?
A state school covering ages 4–11.
What is a secondary school?
A state school for pupils aged 11–16, leading to GCSE exams.
What is a senior school?
The independent equivalent of secondary school, typically for ages 11–16 or 13–18.
What is sixth form?
Education for ages 16–18, where pupils study A Levels, IB, or equivalent qualifications.
What is a single-sex school?
A school that educates either boys or girls only.
👉 Compare single-sex and co-educational schools to understand the differences.
What is a state school?
A government-funded school that is free to attend.
Independent School Admissions & Entry Points
What is admissions?
The school’s admissions team manages registration, assessments, interviews, and offers.
What is an entrance examination?
Tests used by selective schools at 7+, 11+, 13+, or 16+ entry points.
What is the 7+?
An entry assessment for Year 3, typically including English, Maths, and interviews.
What is the 11+?
Entrance exams for Year 7 entry, including English, Maths, and reasoning.
What is the 13+?
An entry route into Year 9, often involving pre-testing followed by Common Entrance.
What is a selective school?
A school that requires entrance exams and academic assessment.
What is a non-selective school?
A school that does not require formal academic testing.
What are open days or open mornings?
Events where families visit schools, meet staff, and explore facilities.
Families can explore the UK private school admissions timeline to understand entry points, key dates and when to apply.
Independent School Exams & Assessments
What is an A Level?
The A Level is the most common UK qualification for ages 16–18.
What is CAT4?
The Cognitive Abilities Test measures reasoning ability and academic potential.
What is Common Entrance (CE)?
Exams taken in Year 8 (age 13) for entry into senior schools.
What are GCSEs?
The GCSE are exams taken at age 16, graded from 9 to 1.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The International Baccalaureate is a globally recognised alternative to A Levels.
What is ISEB?
The Independent Schools Examinations Board sets key independent school exams, including:
Pre-Test
Common Entrance
Prep School Baccalaureate
See the private school admissions timeline for when exams such as the ISEB Pre-Test and Common Entrance are taken.
What is the Prep School Baccalaureate (PSB)?
A modern alternative to Common Entrance focusing on project-based learning and critical thinking.
What is the SAT?
A standardised test used for university applications in the US.
What is UKiset?
An adaptive test for international applicants assessing English, Maths, and reasoning.
Independent Boarding School Life
What is a boarder?
A pupil who lives at school during term time.
What is a day pupil?
A pupil who attends school during the day only.
Families can compare boarding vs day schools to understand which option may suit their child.
What is a dormitory (dorm)?
Shared sleeping accommodation for boarding pupils.
What is an exeat?
A scheduled weekend or short break when boarders leave school.
What is flexi boarding?
A mix of boarding and day attendance.
What is full boarding?
Pupils live at school full-time during term.
What is weekly boarding?
Pupils stay during the week and return home at weekends.
What is a house?
A community grouping within a school linked to pastoral care or accommodation.
What is a housemaster or housemistress?
Staff responsible for pupil wellbeing within a house.
What is pastoral care?
Support for pupils’ wellbeing and personal development.
What is a matron?
A staff member responsible for pupil health and medical care.
What are games?
The structured sports programme within a school.
What is a chapel?
A place of worship within a school.
What does in loco parentis mean?
The school’s legal responsibility for a child while in its care.
Private School Fees & Financial Support
What is a bursary?
Means-tested financial support to reduce school fees.
Learn more about UK private school fees and financial support options including private school scholarships and bursaries.
What are school fees?
The cost of attending a school, typically charged per term.
What are extras?
Additional costs such as trips, music lessons, and activities.
Indepedent School Academic Calendar & Terms
What is a school term?
A division of the academic year. Most schools have three terms.
What are the UK school terms?
Michaelmas (Autumn): September–December
Lent (Spring): January–March
Trinity (Summer): April–July
What is half term?
A short break during the middle of each term.
What is a gap year?
A year taken after school before university, often used for travel, work experience or personal development.
SEND (Special Educational Needs)
What is SEN?
Special Educational Needs refers to pupils requiring additional educational support.
What is an SEN school or SEN unit?
Specialist provision for pupils with additional needs.