Primary schools in the UK are broadly divided into state managed primary schools and private primary schools. State primary schools are funded by the government and strictly follow the guidelines laid down by the law when it comes to admissions. A vast section of the UK population sends their children to state schools, as these schools provide education free of cost.

Private or independent preparatory schools, on the other hand, charge a fee for providing education as prescribed by the National Curriculum. There are more than 2,500 private schools in the UK. These schools are known to provide better learning facilities when compared to state run schools. Good private primary schools offer more individual teaching and have better pupil-teacher ratios. They give equal emphasis on extra-curricular activities and organised sports to ensure overall development of a child. They also provide longer teaching hours and homework and have special focus on traditional academic subjects such as maths, classics and modern languages. Today, more and more parents are willing to send their children to these private schools instead of non-fee paying state schools.

Admission to these private schools is simpler when compared to independent secondary schools where admissions are based on competitive entrance exams. Independent primary schools are generally free to select their pupils. These schools are, however, required to strictly follow the general legislation against discrimination.

While some of them select students based on the financial condition of their parents, there are some that admit children on the basis of their merit. There are also many of them in the UK that give importance to the musical or sporting talent in children during admissions. Some preparatory schools, which are confined to a particular religion, may also select students from all races and religions subject to the requirement that all students will attend services irrespective of the religion they follow. Many of them in the UK may give preference to some children during admission if their siblings are currently studying in the same school.

The best primary schools in the UK always welcome children from all backgrounds, regardless of their religion or race. They treat all applications for admission on merit. It is also important to note that the level of ability of a child or the existence of any special educational needs plays no role during admission to most reputed preparatory schools. As long as the school's management feels that the school is capable of meeting a child's special needs, the admission of a child with special needs would not be a problem.

Most private primary schools provide the interested parents with an information pack about the school. Parents are also invited to visit the them and observe the classes and meet the school staff. If the parents like the school and decide to send their children to a particular school, they could even meet the head teacher. The registration form needs to be filled in at this stage. A provisional starting date and time is also agreed upon.

Most private Independent schools London admit children at any time during the year depending on the availability of places and their parents' wishes. At the time of admission, parents are required to sign an admissions policy form wherein they undertake to pay the school fees, including the initial registration fee and to give a term's notice in the event of withdrawal of their child from the school.

One of the leading primary or Independent school London is Gower House School. It admits children regardless of their religion or race. It has been preparing children for competitive exams to independent secondary schools and state grammar schools for many years now. For more information about the primary school, please visit its website http://www.gowerhouseschool.co.uk.

A good educational foundation is imperative for the overall development of a child. A child can achieve what he believes in if he has the right educational background and attitude. This makes the role of the primary school or preparatory school extremely critical in not only preparing the small children for the secondary school, but also in shaping their future. As a parent, you cannot afford to go wrong whilst choosing a primary school for your child. You must choose the best preparatory school to ensure a solid foundation for your little child.

If your child is anywhere between two and a half years old and eleven years, and you are looking for the best preparatory school or primary school for him/her, you would first need to know what all facilities and features make a primary school the best in the lot.

Some of the best primary schools in the UK seek to nurture a child's potential to the full in all areas- academics, sports, cultural activities, music, art, and so on. The children are taught to be polite, well-mannered, and socially responsible besides being inquisitive. They understand that a curious mind learns faster, and so never discourage a child from being curious.

A good preparatory school gives strong emphasis on the Foundation Stage for the children aged between 2 and 5. The Foundation Stage is the first stage of the National Curriculum with its focus on six major learning areas - knowledge and understanding of the surroundings, physical development, creative development, mathematical development, personal, social and emotional development, and development of communication, language and literacy. The best primary schools understand that each child is different and so will experience different stages of development. Accordingly, their staff plans activities taking into account the distinct needs of every child.

Well organised resources and availability of both indoor and outdoor classrooms for children in their Foundation Stage are the features of a good primary school. Children are given plenty of space to move around freely and learn new things in smaller as well as larger groups. The staff plays the role of a facilitator as children explore, develop and use their curiosity and imagination to understand the world around them. Children are encouraged to communicate with others, practise skills, and think creatively. Classrooms are well organised to let children know where to find what they need. This helps in making them independent.

One of the best primary or Nursery School London, is Gower House School. It has an enviable record in preparing children for competitive exams to independent secondary schools and state grammar schools. All its staff members are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau to ensure safety of small children. Educational visits or trips are arranged for the children quite frequently. For more information about the primary school, please visit its website http://www.gowerhouseschool.co.uk.