Question 1

How does preptimely work?

Accepted Answer

Enter your child's date of birth and we calculate a personalised admissions timeline covering all 7 UK private school entry points — from 3+ Nursery through to 16+ Sixth Form. Tap any card on the timeline to expand it and see key dates, exam windows, and a preparation guide for that entry point.

Question 2

Are the dates accurate?

Accepted Answer

The dates shown are carefully researched approximations based on typical patterns across UK independent schools. Every school sets its own exact dates, which is why we always recommend confirming directly with your chosen schools. Think of preptimely as your planning framework — and your reminder system — not a substitute for checking with individual schools. We'll also send you prep nudges during quieter periods so the time between milestones is never wasted.

Question 3

Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

No. You can view your full personalised timeline without signing up. A free account lets you save one child's timeline and sign in across devices. Upgrade to Premium for unlimited children, email reminders before every key deadline, and school-specific dates. You can also share your timeline with anyone — they can view it without an account too.

Question 4

How do I sign in — and why does the confirmation link look unusual?

Accepted Answer

preptimely uses two sign-in methods: Google (one click, recommended) and a magic link sent to your email. If you choose the email option, the link in your inbox will come from a preptimely address but may contain a long string of characters in the URL — this is completely normal and secure. There is no separate sign-up button: entering your email for the first time automatically creates your account.

Question 5

When should I start thinking about private school applications?

Accepted Answer

Much earlier than most parents expect. For 4+ entry in London, some schools open registration when your child is just 12 months old. For 11+ entry, preparation typically starts in Year 4 — two years before the exams. Preptimely shows you the exact windows based on your child's birthday so nothing catches you off guard.

Question 6

Does preptimely work for families based outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes — preptimely is designed for any family considering UK independent schools, wherever you're based. The timeline works exactly the same way: enter your child's date of birth and you'll see every key deadline from registration through to offers. Two entry points are particularly relevant for international families: for 11+ entry into Year 7, the same registration deadlines apply whether you're based in the UK or abroad; for 13+ boarding entry into Year 9, registration at many schools closes as early as Year 5, four years before entry — this is the deadline most commonly missed by overseas families. When you generate your timeline, look out for the international families card — it contains guidance specifically for overseas applicants, including notes on guardian arrangements and school references.

Question 7

What does Premium include?

Accepted Answer

Premium (£5.99/month or £49/year) adds email reminders before every key deadline so nothing catches you off guard. During quieter periods between milestones, we send termly prep nudges — curated tips and resources to keep your child on track. You also get unlimited children, and the ability to download your timeline as a PDF to save, print, or share with your partner or tutor. A 14-day free trial is included — no charge until day 14.

Question 8

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can cancel anytime with no questions asked. Just go to Account → Manage subscription and cancel from there. It takes less than 30 seconds. After cancelling, you keep full Premium access — including email reminders, PDF export, and unlimited children — until the end of your current billing period. If you're on a monthly plan that's up to 31 days. If you're on the annual plan, that's until your year is up. Your free timeline remains accessible forever after that. You can cancel any time from your account page — no forms, no phone calls.

Question 9

Is my child's data safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only ask for a friendly name or nickname for your child — not their full legal name — and their date of birth, used solely to calculate their timeline. You could use a nickname, initial, or alias if you prefer. Sign-in is handled securely by Google and Supabase. When you share a timeline link, only your child's nickname and birth year are encoded in the link — their full date of birth and your account details are never shared.

Question 10

Can I use preptimely for more than one child?

Accepted Answer

Free accounts support one child. Premium supports unlimited children, each with their own fully personalised timeline and reminders.

Question 11

Can I share my child's timeline with someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every timeline has a Share button. You can copy a link or send it by email to a co-parent, grandparent, tutor, or anyone helping with applications. The recipient can view the full timeline without needing an account. Shared links are valid for 90 days. Only your child's nickname and birth year are included in the link — not their full date of birth or any of your account details.

Question 12

What information is included in a shared timeline link?

Accepted Answer

A shared link contains your child's nickname and birth year only. It does not include their full date of birth, your name, your email address, or any other personal details. The recipient sees the timeline and can sign up for their own reminders if they choose — they cannot edit anything.

Question 13

What is the Preparation Guide on each timeline card?

Accepted Answer

Each entry point card includes a Preparation Guide covering what assessments involve, how to prepare your child, and what to expect at each stage. Preparation guides are available to Premium members. Start a free 14-day trial to unlock them alongside email reminders and unlimited children.

Know exactly when.
Never miss a deadline.

How it works

Frequently asked questions

Know exactly when.Never miss a deadline.

How it works

Frequently asked questions

Know exactly when.
Never miss a deadline.