Holmwood House School
School summary
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.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Free month · No payment needed
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 24 January 2023
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.
Headmaster · Edward Bond
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.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 16.58%
- EHC plans
- 0.51%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,164 - £19,461
Some means-tested bursaries available
Schools nearby
Doucecroft School
Colchester, East of England
St Mary's School for Girls
Colchester, East of England
Colchester Prep & High School
Colchester, East of England
Littlegarth School
Colchester, East of England
OneSchool Global UK Colchester Campus
Colchester, East of England
The Ryes College
Sudbury, East of England
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
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.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
Holmwood House School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.