Holmwood House School
Colchester, Essex, East of England · CO3 9ST
Holmwood House occupies a distinctive place in the independent landscape, taking children from their earliest years through to age 13 on a single Colchester site. With 392 pupils, it remains a small, close-knit community where a boarding option sits alongside day places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its most recent inspection an "excellent" rating, the top grade available, and judged that all compliance standards were met. Led by Headmaster Edward Bond, the school suits families looking for a prep school that prepares pupils for senior school entrance at 13.
392
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£19,461
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 0-13
- Pupils
- 392
- Location
- Colchester, Essex, East of England
- Website
- www.holmwood.house
- Telephone
- 01206 574305
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Headmaster Edward Bond
Teaching & academics
An "excellent" ISI judgement points to strong quality of education across the prep age range. Around one in six pupils receives some form of SEN support, a meaningful proportion that suggests a school accustomed to working with a range of learning needs. Entry is available at 11+, alongside the school's wider intake.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 16.58%
- EHC plans
- 0.51%
Beyond the classroom
The school's "excellent" rating for pupils' personal development reflects an environment that values character and growth beyond the classroom. Boarding provision adds another dimension to school life for families who want it.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,164 - £19,461
Some means-tested bursaries available
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 24 January 2023
The last word
A small, well-regarded prep school carrying top ISI marks for both education and personal development. Best suited to families planning ahead for senior school entrance at 13.
The Passmate verdict
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Holmwood House School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Holmwood House School located?
Holmwood House School is located at Chitts Hill, Lexden, Colchester, CO3 9ST.
What type of school is Holmwood House School?
Holmwood House School is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend Holmwood House School?
Holmwood House School has approximately 392 pupils on roll.
What is Holmwood House School's inspection rating?
Holmwood House School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 24 January 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.