A Leading Independent Preparatory School in Colchester, Essex
A letter from Mr Cook, Head of Holmwood House Prep.
The thriving prep section of Holmwood House School caters for children aged 4-11, from Reception to Year 6. The school is set in a countryside location within 25 acres of grounds at Lexden just outside Colchester. Our convenient location makes it easy to reach from: the East from Mersea and Tendring; the North from the Dedham Vale; the West from Halstead Kelvedon and Coggeshall; from the South from Maldon, Danbury and Chelmsford.
Our commitment to academic excellence is supported by a warm, nurturing environment and an array of inspiring opportunities. We believe this provides the perfect platform for happiness and development and meets our vision to inspire each individual child. Our varied Prep programme of co-curricular activities makes full use of our specialist senior school teachers and facilities, giving children endless opportunities to find their passions, even at a young age.
Children at Holmwood House receive a wide and dynamic education that fuels their love of learning and instills lifelong confidence. This stems from our philosophy and vision that a great education is founded on knowledge but achieved through generating confidence and curiosity, and taking joy in the process of learning itself.
At Holmwood House, the Prep School journey begins in Reception, where children are welcomed into a nurturing and stimulating environment that builds on the foundations laid in Nursery. As they move through Pre-Prep (Year 1 to Year 3), they grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence, supported by strong relationships with staff and a broad, engaging curriculum.
From Year 4, pupils enter the next phase of their Prep journey where learning becomes even more subject-specialist, and pupils are encouraged to take greater ownership of their learning and personal development. A memorable milestone comes in Year 4, when pupils receive their much-loved Holmwood House blazers—symbolising their growing maturity and belonging within the Prep community. As they progress, pupils develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive, not only in the classroom but beyond it.
The majority of our Prep children continue their education within the Holmwood House Senior School, which offers a seamless transition through to Year 11 and age 16, ensuring continuity, care, and challenge every step of the way.
I look forward to working closely with you to provide the best possible all-round learning experience during these crucial years of your child’s development.
Mr E C Cook
Head of Prep
