In brief
Prep school fees vary significantly depending on the school, its location, the child's age and what's included. Across West Yorkshire, many independent prep schools charge somewhere between £4,500 and £5,600 per term for primary-aged children, although fees can be higher or lower depending on the school and year group.
It's also important to remember that the headline fee doesn't always tell the whole story. Some schools include lunches, trips and co-curricular activities, while others charge separately. Some charge the same fee throughout primary school, while others increase fees as children move into older year groups.
Understanding how different schools structure their fees will help you make a fair comparison.
A closer look
The first question most parents ask
Independent education is a significant financial commitment for any family.
It's completely natural for one of the first questions to be, "How much does it cost?"
The answer is that there isn't one standard fee. Every school sets its own pricing structure, so it's important to compare schools carefully and understand exactly what's included.
How do prep schools charge their fees?
Most prep schools charge per term, with three fee payments each academic year. Many also offer monthly payment plans by Direct Debit to help families spread the cost.
Schools also structure their fees differently.
Some charge the same fee throughout the primary years, while others increase fees as children move through the school.
This means that two schools with similar headline prices today could cost different amounts over the course of your child's education.
What's usually included?
This is one of the most important questions to ask.
Every school is different.
Some include items such as:
Lunches
Swimming lessons
Most clubs and co-curricular activities
Curriculum-based educational visits
Digital devices
Examination fees
Others may charge separately for some or all of these. Individual music lessons, certain trips, wraparound care and uniforms are also commonly charged as additional extras across the independent sector.
When comparing schools, it's worth looking beyond the headline fee to understand the total cost.
How much does The Mount School cost?
At the time this article was published (30 July 2026), fees at The Mount School are:
£1,104 per month, including VAT
Payable by monthly Direct Debit
Sibling discounts are also available:
5% discount for a second child
10% discount for a third child
20% discount for a fourth child
Any additional children attend free of charge
Please note: These fees were correct when this article was published on 30 July 2026. Fees are reviewed periodically. For the latest fees, funding information and payment options, please visit our Fees & Funding page.
Price is only part of the picture
Every family has a budget, and independent education won't be the right choice for everyone.
For those considering it, the more useful question is often not simply, "How much does it cost?" but, "What does that investment provide?"
As you compare schools, consider questions such as:
Are specialist teachers included?
What clubs and activities are available?
Are educational visits included?
How large are the class sizes?
What pastoral support is provided?
Are there compulsory additional costs?
Does the school offer sibling discounts?
How are fees paid?
Comparing schools like this gives a much clearer picture than looking at fees alone.
Choosing the right school
There is no single "best value" school because every family values different things.
Some parents prioritise specialist teaching. Others look for smaller classes, outstanding pastoral care or a wider range of opportunities outside the classroom. For many, it's the overall experience and the environment their child will grow up in that matters most.
The best advice is to visit several schools, ask plenty of questions and compare like with like. The right choice isn't necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive. It's the one that feels like the right fit for your child and your family.
Key takeaway
Prep school fees vary from school to school, and the headline figure is only part of the story. Understanding what's included, how fees are structured and what opportunities your child will receive will help you make a fair comparison and choose the school that's right for your family.
