The Prep School
Academic excellence and personal growth for children aged 7 to 13
In the Prep School, pupils take their learning to the next level as they prepare for the academic rigour and independence of senior school. Our approach blends British academic tradition with a global perspective, ensuring every child is challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve their personal best.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to promote academic excellence while nurturing creativity, curiosity, and character. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science are complemented by Humanities, Languages, Computing, Art, Music, Drama, and Physical Education, ensuring a truly holistic education.
Our pupils consistently achieve results in the top 10% of international schools worldwide. But examinations are only part of the picture — we want children to develop confidence in their thinking, curiosity about the world, and the resilience to embrace challenge.
"The quality of education at ISJ is outstanding. The staff are dedicated and genuinely care about each student's progress and development."
— ISJ Parent, November 2025Academic Challenge and Discovery
Children develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and analytical thinking. Through investigative science, collaborative projects, and problem-solving tasks, pupils learn to think critically and independently. Modern technology, coding, and engineering sessions promote innovation and digital fluency, preparing them for the future world of study and work.
Outstanding teaching is at the heart of the Prep experience. Highly qualified class and specialist teachers bring expertise, energy, and inspiration to every lesson. Pupils benefit from first-class facilities, including science and technology labs, performance and art spaces, and outdoor sports areas — all designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Our academic results speak for themselves. ISJ pupils consistently perform in the top 10% of international schools worldwide in standardised assessments, with benchmarks that align with the top UK prep schools.
Our Year 7 pupils achieve GL Assessment scores that place ISJ among the leading British international schools globally in English, Mathematics, and Science.
Character, Confidence, and Curiosity
Days in the Prep School are full and varied. Pupils take part in sports, creative arts, performances, clubs, and outdoor learning, building teamwork, resilience, and self-belief. They are encouraged to take on leadership roles, speak with confidence, and act with kindness and integrity — hallmarks of a gold-standard independent school education.
Our House system brings the school community together. Pupils represent their Houses — Potter, Tolkien, Lewis, and Rowling — in competitions ranging from football and athletics to debating and spelling bees. House Captains and School Council members develop leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Our pastoral care remains exceptional. Every pupil is known and supported by teachers who nurture both academic growth and emotional wellbeing. This foundation of care enables pupils to thrive personally as well as academically.
The Prep School at a Glance
A Confident Step Towards Senior School
By the time they leave the Prep School at ISJ, our pupils are confident, articulate, and accomplished young people with strong academic skills, emotional intelligence, and high personal standards. They move forward ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of senior school and beyond.
Pupils in Years 7 and 8 take part in a two-week residential programme at Ipswich High School in the United Kingdom each year. This immersive experience includes lessons, collaborative projects, and enrichment activities alongside British pupils — building independence, confidence, and global perspective.
Graduates of The Schools Trust network go on to leading senior schools and universities worldwide. Our approach equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive wherever their journey takes them.
What Is a Prep School?
The term "Prep School" comes from the British tradition of preparatory education: schools originally established to prepare pupils for entry into the country's leading independent senior schools. For more than a century, British prep and independent schools have been recognised for their academic ambition, strong values, and whole-child development, educating pupils aged roughly 4 to 13.
A true prep school provides more than a foundation in core subjects. It cultivates curiosity, independence, leadership, and a sense of service — qualities that enable pupils to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom. Learning is enriched through sports, music, drama, languages, and outdoor education, ensuring a balanced education that develops mind, body, and character.
At The Independent School of Jakarta, we bring these top British independent school principles to Indonesia. Our international school combines academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care, an international community, and opportunities for personal growth. Pupils benefit from the same high standards of teaching, breadth of curriculum, and ethos found in leading British prep and independent schools, preparing them to flourish in senior school and in life.
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We would be delighted to show you around and to be part of your child's educational journey. There is no better way to understand ISJ than to see it for yourself.
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