IAPS, the Independent Association of Prep Schools, is the professional association of Headmasters and Headmistresses of over five hundred leading preparatory schools in the United Kingdom as well as many overseas.

The first IAPS Orchestra was formed in 1972 with the active encouragement of Benjamin Britten who became the first Patron of the IAPS Orchestra Trust.  The association with Snape Maltings dates right back to those earliest days.

Over the years, the work of the Orchestra Trust has grown steadily, responding to the continuing need for high-quality music education.  There are now opportunities for music-making at all levels.