The definitive guide to Britain's top 2,000 independent and state schools

Are prep schools worth the money? Yes, if you want your child to attend a top public school. The gap between the standards achieved in a good prep school and the best primaries is so wide that state-educated children are unlikely to have been prepared for what are very demanding entrance exams at senior schools such as St Paul’s or Winchester. Yes, too, if you live in an area which still has grammar schools with an entrance exam at age 11. Investment in prep school fees could well save thousands later.

Choosing the right prep school is not easy. Key stage 2 league tables are not much use because one in three prep schools do not enter their children for the tests.

You have, therefore, to visit schools. You will be shown the state-of-the-art computer suites, the theatre and the acres of playing fields. Nod, and ask to visit some lessons. It is the quality of the teaching that matters most. If you are bored after five minutes, your children will be too. Walk away, fast.

Spend as much time as you can with the head teacher. It is the head who defines expectations for staff and children. Good heads know their children. They will stop in the corridor as they show you round to chat with them. They are respected, but accessible. If you like the head, the odds are your child will like the school.

Ask about results. They will vary from year to year, but you need to know whether there is a record of achieving places at the kind of senior school you want your child to attend.

Finally, talk to existing parents. They will tell you the truth about the teaching, the extracurricular activities and the pastoral care. You will have formed your own impression during your visit but try to have it confirmed.

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