Who we are
One of the leading schools in Pakistan
Established in 1990, Preparatory School Islamabad (PSI) is a privately owned, co-educational English-medium school. Today, it is proud of its reputation as one of the leading schools in Pakistan.
Guided by its commitment to quality education, PSI maintains restricted class sizes to encourage individual attention and support student learning. What distinguishes PSI is the dedication and commitment of its team to the academic, social and personal development of every student.
Learning takes place in a caring, friendly and disciplined environment that encourages students to discover their strengths, develop their individual talents and achieve their potential.
Our journey
From six teachers to a full Cambridge pathway
PSI began as an elementary and primary school. Recognising the importance of continuity in education and responding to requests from parents, the school has grown step by step, adding new classes and subjects as its community grew.
- 1990PSI is founded by Mrs Shabnam Ashraf as an elementary and primary school with a teaching staff of six.
- 1996Classes are expanded upwards from Class V.
- 2000O Level classes are introduced in August.
- 2002The first batch of 12 students sits the Cambridge examinations in June.
- 2026A Level classes begin in August, extending the Cambridge pathway to the pre-university stage.
From our Founder
Mrs Shabnam Ashraf
Founder, Owner & Principal · In loving memory
“Rearing and nurturing this institution and bringing it to the age of maturity has been a task no easier than having brought up my own children.”
Mrs Ashraf founded PSI in 1990 and nurtured it for more than three decades. She passed away on 20 October 2026. Her vision of love, discipline and values lives on in every Preparatorian.
Forever remembered. Forever a part of PSI.
A message from our Founder
In her own words
Preparatory School Islamabad started as an elementary/primary school in 1990, in a huge bungalow in Sector G-6 at Luqman Hakeem Road, Islamabad. Rearing and nurturing this institution and bringing it to the age of maturity has been a task no easier than having brought up my own children, a route rich in challenges.
Each year brought with it some innovation, some progression none without hours of deliberation and contemplation employing strategies to mould malleable minds in the best way possible. Our desire to see pupils bloom into conscientious, thinking citizens of tomorrow is the driving force behind every endeavour.
PSI aims to provide a caring and enlightened environment in which the talents of each individual flourish. We encourage Preparatorians to be creative, tolerant and to strive for academic, sporting and cultural excellence. Respect for tradition and openness towards innovation are equally valued.
We as an institution have developed teaching and learning mechanisms, interactive classroom settings, co-curricular activities and much more to enable our students to reach their maximum potential. At PSI, there is always movement towards the holistic growth of our student. It is this philosophy that has won the confidence of parents, and brought our student strength from 6 in 1990 to 1000 plus today.
Mrs Shabnam AshrafFounder, Preparatory School Islamabad
Leadership
Guided by a shared vision
Today PSI is led by Dr Hadia Ashraf, Principal, together with Mrs Anjum Ijaz, Vice Principal, and a dedicated team of more than 200 teaching, management and support staff.
Dr Hadia Ashraf
“PSI is a home away from home. Children feel safe, protected, loved and cared for, and the bonds they form here last a lifetime.”
Mrs Anjum Ijaz
“Through love and discipline, we lay the foundation of true character and integrity, giving children the skills to flourish in today’s changing world.”
Our pledge
With courage we endeavour to uphold the honour of our families, our school and our beloved country.
At PSI, education extends beyond academic achievement. The school strives to nurture well-rounded individuals with a strong academic foundation, sound character and an appreciation of its core values. Through a balanced emphasis on academic excellence, personal growth and social development, PSI prepares its students to approach future opportunities and responsibilities with confidence.
Courage
Endeavour
Honour
Become a Preparatorian
Meet our team and see the school for yourself.