Private schools (also called independent schools) charge fees. They do not necessarily follow the same curriculum, school phases and timings as state schools. For example, some have lessons on Saturdays, or expect pupils to stay at school in the evenings for supervised homework.
Some independent schools are boarding schools, where pupils live at the school during term time. For younger pupils, there may be a range of partial and weekly boarding options.
Private junior schools may be called preparatory schools (often shortened to prep schools), because they prepare pupils for entrance to senior school. Some private senior schools have their own associated prep and pre-prep (nursery/infant) schools.
Admissions
Most private schools operate waiting lists for entry into each year group. Places for the most usual entry years may be offered a year or more in advance of the start date. Pupils may be required to attend a selection interview and/or sit an entrance exam.
Private schools have their own websites that provide information on admissions, fees, scholarships and bursaries. Many private schools are members of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) organisation.