IAPS - Promoting Excellence in Education

IAPS brief history

IAPS was founded in 1892 by a group of preparatory school Heads who met to discuss the size and weight of the cricket ball to be used in matches! There were over 50 members in 1892 and many of the schools that were represented at the first Annual Conference are still in existence. The first Conference was devoted to curriculum matters and these remain central to the work of IAPS.

In 1923 IAPS was incorporated. In 1959 it was granted a coat of arms and adopted the motto Put on the whole armour of God.

The Association of Headmistresses of Preparatory Schools, which had been founded in 1929, amalgamated with IAPS in 1981.

Following an initial programme of modernisation in the late 1980s, in October 1991 IAPS moved its office from Kensington to new headquarters in Leamington Spa. The development and expansion of the Association's current professional services date from that time.

On these foundations IAPS has built a modern professional association equipped to meet the varying needs of Heads and their schools in the 21st century.

Chief Executive, David Hanson, says of the Association today: "It is our goal to inspire excellence in teaching and leadership across the Association, and to secure world-class recognition for IAPS schools."