The Historical Foundation of British Prep Schools
And Why They Remain the Educational Choice of the World’s Elite
On a warm morning in Jakarta, students are welcomed on campus by Mrs. Fisher. The girls in their distinctive boater hats represent a visual link to the traditions of British education. Setting aside the weather, and probably the traffic, this scene could easily be transplanted to the rolling countryside of Hampshire or Sussex in England, where similar routines have played out for nearly two centuries. But beyond the symbolism of the uniforms and boaters, what exactly is a British prep school, and how has it found its way to Jakarta?
At ISJ, an authentic British prep school in Jakarta, we're not merely adopting a name or aesthetic—we're continuing a rich tradition of educational excellence with deep historical roots. Understanding these foundations reveals why the British prep school model continues to offer distinct advantages in today's educational landscape.
Origins of the British Prep School
The term "prep school" derives from its original purpose: preparing young students (primarily boys in the early days) for entry into Britain's prestigious "public schools" (which, somewhat confusingly to international audiences, are actually private, fee-paying institutions like Eton, Harrow, and Winchester). The first dedicated preparatory schools emerged in the early 19th century, with pioneering institutions like Windlesham House, founded in 1837, setting the template.
Before these specialised schools emerged, wealthy families typically employed private tutors or sent children directly to public schools at a young age. The development of dedicated preparatory institutions created a more nurturing, age-appropriate environment where younger students could develop academically and personally before facing the rigours of secondary education.
Dr. Thomas Arnold, headmaster of Rugby School from 1828 to 1842, though not directly involved with prep schools, profoundly influenced their philosophical foundations. His emphasis on moral education alongside academic development helped shape what we now recognise as the holistic approach characteristic of British prep schools: the development of body, mind, and character.
Evolution Through the Centuries
British prep schools demonstrated remarkable adaptability through significant historical periods. During the Victorian era, they expanded rapidly as Britain's empire and merchant class grew, creating increased demand for this education. The curriculum crystallised around classical subjects (Latin and Greek), Mathematics, and Religious Instruction, while team sports gained prominence as vehicles for character building. The World Wars brought existential challenges, including the loss of former students, with many schools evacuating to safer locations and adapting to wartime constraints. The post-war period saw perhaps the most dramatic evolutions: the gradual opening to co-education, broadening of the curriculum to include Sciences and Modern Languages, and adjustments to increasingly diverse societies.
Throughout this evolution, certain structural elements became hallmarks of the prep school approach. The house system—dividing students into smaller communities within the school—created spaces for mentorship, friendly competition, and identity. Annual traditions, distinctive uniforms, and school mottos all contributed to a sense of continuity and belonging across generations.
Core Principles That Have Endured
What makes a British prep school distinct from other educational models are several enduring principles that have stood the test of time:
Academic Excellence: While methodologies have evolved, the commitment to challenging students across a broad curriculum remains constant. Latin may no longer be universal, but the principle of stretching young minds across disciplines endures.
Character Development: The famous Duke of Wellington allegedly remarked that "the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton." Whether apocryphal or not, this quote captures the British prep school's emphasis on developing qualities like perseverance, teamwork, and fair play through all aspects of school life.
Sports and Physical Development: Regular physical activity, team sports, and outdoor education remain central to the prep school experience—not merely as recreation but as essential components of holistic development.
Arts and Creative Expression: Music, Drama, Visual Arts, and Literature have always been valued, creating well-rounded individuals rather than purely academic scholars.
Community and Belonging: Through house systems, school traditions, and shared values, prep schools foster a profound sense of community that often creates lifelong bonds among alumni.
British Prep Schools Go Global
The expansion of British education beyond UK shores initially followed imperial pathways, with schools established to educate the children of colonial administrators and military officers. However, the reputation of these institutions transcended colonial relationships, with local elites and international families increasingly seeking access to this educational model.
Today, British curriculum schools operate in over 160 countries, educating millions of students worldwide. This global expansion has required thoughtful adaptation to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining the core principles that make the model distinctive.
The most successful international British prep schools achieve a delicate balance: honouring traditions while embracing innovation, maintaining academic standards while respecting local cultures, and preparing students for global opportunities while fostering connection to their immediate communities.
ISJ - A British Prep School in Jakarta
At ISJ, we faithfully represent this educational heritage within Jakarta's unique context. Our school day, with its distinct rhythm of assemblies, lessons, games, and extracurricular activities, mirrors that of our counterparts in the United Kingdom. Our house system, with its inter-house competitions and dedicated housemasters, fosters the same sense of belonging and friendly competition that has motivated students for generations.
Yet we are not simply transplanting a British institution unchanged. Today's families in both London and Jakarta share similar profiles: they are diverse, internationally-minded, educated, and ambitious for their children. The prep school model has always served such families well, providing an education that balances tradition with preparation for a rapidly changing world.
ISJ students benefit from an education that prepares them not just for entry into prestigious secondary schools but for success at leading universities in the UK, Australia, the United States, and beyond. The academic foundations, independent learning skills, and personal qualities developed through our approach create globally mobile students ready to excel wherever their educational journey takes them.
Why This Heritage Matters
In an era of educational trends and shifting pedagogical fashions, the British prep school model offers something increasingly valuable: proven methodologies refined over nearly two centuries of educational practice. The focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, creatively, and morally—anticipates the demands of our complex modern world.
By choosing ISJ, Jakarta families connect their children to this legacy of excellence while preparing them for a thoroughly contemporary future. Our students walk the same educational path as generations of leaders, innovators, and thoughtful citizens before them. We invite you to join us in continuing this legacy of excellence.
BRITISH PREP SCHOOL TIMELINE
1837 - Windlesham House School established as one of the first dedicated preparatory schools
1892 - Incorporation of the Association of Preparatory Schools, formalising the sector
1940s - Many prep schools evacuated during World War II, demonstrating adaptability
1960s-70s - Gradual introduction of co-education at previously all-boys institutions
1980s-90s - International expansion accelerates with schools opening worldwide
2000s - Technology integration while maintaining traditional educational values
2010s - Increasing focus on well-being alongside academic excellence
Present - Nearly 600 prep schools in the UK and hundreds more internationally
NOTABLE BRITISH PREP SCHOOL ALUMNI
Politics and Leadership
Sir Winston Churchill: Former British Prime Minister known for his leadership during World War II. Educated at Harrow School.
Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of India. Educated at Harrow School.
King Hussein of Jordan: Attended Harrow School before ascending to the throne.
Robert Peel: Former British Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force. Educated at Harrow School.
Indira Gandhi: Former Prime Minister of India. Studied at Badminton School in the UK.
Benazir Bhutto: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Attended Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, after private schooling.
Aung San Suu Kyi: Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Myanmar. Studied at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, after attending Catholic schools.
Science and Technology
Sir Tim Berners-Lee: Inventor of the World Wide Web.
Stephen Hawking: Renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist. Attended Byron House School.
John William Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh: Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Educated at Harrow School.
Dorothy Hodgkin: Nobel Prize-winning chemist. Attended Sir John Leman Grammar School before moving to private education.
Sarah Gilbert: Co-developer of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Educated at Kettering High School for Girls.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson: The first woman in Britain to qualify as a physician and surgeon. Attended a private boarding school.
Arts and Entertainment
Eddie Redmayne: Oscar-winning actor. Attended Eton College.
Tom Hiddleston: Actor known for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Educated at Eton College.
Rosamund Pike: Actress known for "Gone Girl." Attended Badminton School.
Hugh Laurie: Actor and comedian, known for "House." Educated at Eton College.
Chiwetel Ejiofor: Oscar-nominated actor. Attended Dulwich Prep & Senior.
Olivia Colman: Oscar-winning actress. Went to Norwich High School.
Helena Bonham Carter: Actress. Went to South Hampstead High School.
Literature
Lord Byron: Famous poet. Educated at Harrow School.
John Betjeman: Former Poet Laureate. Attended Byron House School.
Exploration and Adventure
Bear Grylls: Adventurer and television presenter. Attended Ludgrove School.
Broadcasting and Natural History
Sir David Attenborough: Renowned broadcaster and natural historian.
Royalty
Queen Elizabeth II: Privately tutored and attended lessons at Eton College with constitutional experts.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: Educated at Queen’s Gate School in London.
Duchess Kate Middleton: The Duchess of Cambridge, attended St. Andrew's Prep School, Downe House, and Marlborough College.
Prince William and Prince Harry: Both attended Eton College.
Entrepreneurship and Business
Martha Lane Fox: Co-founder of Lastminute.com and life peer in the House of Lords. Attended Westminster School.
Jacqueline Gold: CEO of Ann Summers. Privately educated in Surrey.
Emma Sinclair: The youngest entrepreneur in the UK to take a company public. Attended Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls.
Education and Leadership
Emma Pattison: Former headteacher of Croydon High School and Epsom College.
PREP SCHOOL GLOSSARY
Prep - Short for preparatory; preparing for next educational stage
House - Student community within the school for activities and pastoral care
Games - Sports and Physical Education
Form - Class or year group
Head Boy/Girl - Senior student leaders
Common Entrance - Traditional examination for entry to senior schools in the UK
Pastoral Care - Focus on student wellbeing and personal development
Housemaster/Housemistress - Teacher responsible for a boarding or day house