Preparatory School
Where curiosity meets achievement
At Vita et Pax, every child is known, valued, and challenged. Our prep school combines small class sizes with specialist teaching to deliver an outstanding education that prepares pupils for the best secondary schools in North London and beyond.
Why Vita et Pax?
Independent Prep School in Southgate, North LondonFounded in 1936, Vita et Pax has been nurturing academic excellence in Southgate for nearly ninety years. Our prep school offers everything a larger school does — specialist teachers, a broad curriculum, exceptional pastoral care — with the advantage of truly knowing every child.
Specialist Teachers
From Year 3, pupils benefit from specialist teaching in French, Spanish, Music, PE, and Computing. Our teachers are subject experts who inspire a genuine love of learning.
Small Classes
With a maximum of 20 pupils per class, every child receives individual attention. Teachers know each pupil's strengths, challenges, and learning style — and adapt accordingly.
11+ Preparation
Our structured programme prepares pupils for selective secondary entrance examinations including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, and Mathematics. Mock exams and interview practice build confidence and technique.
The Prep School Journey
From Year 1 to Year 6Building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy through structured, engaging lessons. Children develop reading fluency, handwriting, and mathematical reasoning.
Consolidating core skills and preparing for Key Stage 2. Pupils grow in independence, tackle more complex texts, and develop problem-solving abilities.
Transitioning into upper school with increased academic rigour. Pupils begin specialist subject teaching, develop research skills, and build study habits.
Deepening knowledge across all subjects with two parallel classes (4P and 4V). Pupils develop critical thinking and begin preparing for selective entrance examinations.
Focused academic preparation alongside a rich creative and sporting programme. Pupils build exam technique, verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills.
Final year of preparation with targeted 11+ coaching, mock examinations, and interview practice. Pupils leave confident, resilient, and ready for the next stage.
Our Curriculum
A Broad, Balanced EducationWe deliver the full National Curriculum and beyond, with specialist teaching in languages, music, and sport. Our curriculum is designed to develop well-rounded, confident learners who are prepared for the demands of selective secondary education.
English
Mathematics
Science
French
Spanish
Music
Art & Design
PE & Games
Computing
RE & PSHE
Geography
History
11+ & Beyond
Our Year 5 and 6 pupils follow a carefully structured 11+ preparation programme alongside the full curriculum. We don't sacrifice breadth for exam coaching — our pupils are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the transition to secondary school.
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning coaching
- Regular mock examinations under timed conditions
- Interview preparation and confidence building
- Individual guidance on secondary school choices
Where Our Pupils Go
Selection of recent secondary school destinations
Wrap-Around Care
Before & After SchoolWe understand that working families need flexibility. Our wrap-around care runs from 7:30am with breakfast club through to 6:00pm with our after-school programme, providing a safe, stimulating environment before and after the school day.
Breakfast Club
7:30am – 8:30am
After-School Care
3:30pm – 6:00pm
Enrichment & Clubs
Our extensive extracurricular programme includes:
Easy to Reach
Southgate, North LondonLocated in the heart of Southgate, we're easily accessible from Oakwood, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Cockfosters, New Southgate, and Arnos Grove. Just minutes from Southgate Underground station (Piccadilly line) and well-served by local bus routes.
Vita et Pax Preparatory School · 6a Priory Close, Southgate, London N14 4AT · 020 8449 8336
Discover Our Prep School
See the Vita et Pax differenceWe'd love to show you around. Book a visit to see our small classes, meet our teachers, and discover why families in Southgate and North London choose Vita et Pax.
