Senior

A leading private secondary school in Colchester, Essex

Holmwood House is an Independent Senior School, situated on a 25 acre rural campus near Colchester in Essex, is for pupils aged 11-16. Taking pupils from Year 7 through to Year 11 and GCSEs, the secondary section of Holmwood House offers a unique blend of a stimulating and inspiring curriculum in a nurturing and supportive setting.

The school is in a rural setting within 25 acres of grounds at Lexden, just on the outskirts of Colchester. Its accessible location means it can be easily reached from a range of areas: from the east, including Mersea and Tendring; from the north, such as the Dedham Vale; from the west, including Halstead, Kelvedon, and Coggeshall; and from the south, covering Maldon, Danbury, and Chelmsford.

We cultivate a lifelong love of learning and foster the character development necessary for young individuals to confidently embrace their future when they leave Holmwood House. We strive for each child to leave our school both ‘interested’ and ‘interesting’.

Our Senior School pupils are truly known and supported by our specialist Senior School team. With our small class sizes and a close-knit community, teachers can provide personalised attention with academic and pastoral support adapted to individual learning styles and personalities. Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a sense of belonging, helping young people feel confident, valued, and emotionally secure. This foundation enables pupils to thrive both academically and personally.

Holmwood House offers a rich co-curricular programme that encourages pupils to discover new interests, develop talents, find their passions and build confidence beyond the classroom. From creative arts and sports to clubs and leadership opportunities, there is something for everyone. Our comprehensive wraparound care options, including before and after-school activities, ensures busy families have the support they need, while pupils enjoy a safe, engaging environment throughout the school day.

We would be delighted to welcome you to our school, where you can meet our wonderful pupils and see first-hand how we bring their school day to life. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit us soon.

Emma Booth
Head of Seniors at Holmwood House School

Two Distinct Phases, One Seamless Journey

Years 7 to 9 – A Confident Start to Senior School

The initial stage of Senior School provides the academic, social, and emotional foundations needed to thrive. Great care is taken to ensure a smooth and supportive transition into this new phase, helping pupils feel settled, confident, and ready to embrace new opportunities. Pupils explore a broad curriculum, develop independent learning habits, and begin to take on leadership responsibilities. This stage also lays the key foundations for success in the GCSE years, equipping pupils with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to excel. Curiosity, creativity and confidence are at the heart of everything they do.

Years 7-9

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Years 10 and 11 – The GCSE Years

Pupils move into a more focused stage of their education, with a carefully tailored curriculum that combines core academic challenge with increasing opportunities for personal choice. They begin to refine their interests and take greater ownership of their learning. Supported by expert staff, who bring depth and enthusiasm to their discipline and strong pastoral care, pupils develop the maturity, independence, and motivation needed to succeed—not only in their GCSE examinations, but also in the broader context of their future education and personal growth.

GCSE Years

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The SPARK Ethos for Holmwood House Senior School

Our SPARK ethos is embedded throughout the Senior School and carefully adapted to each stage of a pupil’s journey, ensuring they are equipped not only for academic achievement but also for life beyond the classroom.

At the heart of our Senior School approach is SPARK – a set of core values: Skills, Passion, Aspiration, Responsibility, and Kindness. These are more than just guiding principles; they are woven into every aspect of school life, shaping how we teach, support, and inspire our pupils each day. SPARK underpins both our academic and co-curricular programmes, with a strong emphasis on knowing each pupil as an individual and helping them reach their full potential.

SPARK stands for:

Skills – Through our broad enrichment programme, pupils develop essential life skills such as communication, leadership, creativity, and independence. These are nurtured and refined from Year 7 through to Year 11, ensuring pupils leave us confident and capable.
Passion – We encourage pupils to discover what excites them, whether in the arts, sport, STEM, or public speaking. From trying new experiences in the early years to deepening interests in the GCSE years, our aim is for each pupil to uncover and pursue their passions with confidence.
Aspiration – We set high expectations and support our pupils to reach them. Whether through subject-specific competitions like the UKMT Maths Challenge or personalised targets set by tutors, pupils across all year groups are challenged to grow, achieve, and aim high.
Responsibility – Leadership and contribution are key. In Year 8, pupils can become Junior Heads of Element, and in Year 9, Senior Heads of Element. Roles such as Heads of Charity and Deputy Heads allow pupils to shape school life and develop as young leaders. As they move through the Senior School, further leadership opportunities arise, including becoming Peer Mentors, School Prefects, and ultimately, Head Prefect—encouraging initiative, responsibility, and active support for others within the community.
Kindness – Central to our ethos is the importance of care, courtesy, and consideration. From Year 7 to Year 11, we nurture a culture where every pupil feels safe, known, and valued, and where kindness is a strength demonstrated in daily interactions.

The Three Pillars of Success in Senior School

Academic Aspiration

At Holmwood, pupils benefit from small class sizes and experienced teachers, many of whom have taught GCSEs (and beyond) for many years and some are GCSE examiners, ensuring expert support. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity and promote independent learning, underpinned by clear curriculum planning and meaningful assessment. Strong classroom relationships allow for personalised feedback, helping each child understand their progress. Future readiness is built through enrichment, PSHE, careers guidance, interview practice, and cross-curricular experiences, including university visits and practical skills development.

Pastoral Support

Every pupil is known, valued, and supported as an individual. Each child has a dedicated form tutor who oversees their wellbeing and plays a vital role in encouraging, supporting, and challenging them throughout the academic year. This personalised guidance is further enhanced by our exceptional Wellbeing Team, who provide responsive and holistic care. Their work is carefully monitored and recorded through our surgery log, ensuring continuity and quality of support whenever it is needed.

We take care to ensure a smooth and positive start to senior school, particularly for pupils joining in Year 7. A thoughtful induction process, along with strong pastoral support, helps new pupils settle quickly and feel part of the school community from day one.

Throughout their time with us, pupils are given the space and encouragement to discover their strengths, explore new interests, and develop their passions. We believe that learning is most powerful when it is personalised, and we take the time to understand each pupil’s unique character, talents, and aspirations—helping them grow in confidence and purpose.

We actively encourage parental involvement through regular communication and a wide range of community events. This open and collaborative approach helps forge strong links between staff, pupils, and families—enabling truly individualised support that nurtures each pupil’s personal growth, confidence, and communication in a safe and caring environment.

Co-Curricular and Character Development

Beyond the classroom, life at Holmwood is vibrant and full of opportunity. Our extensive extra-curricular programme invites pupils to explore a wide range of interests, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Whether through competitive sports, outdoor adventures, drama productions, music ensembles, or clubs and societies, every pupil can find a space to thrive and express themselves.

Our impressive 25-acre site, featuring spacious grounds and a large Sports Hall, provides the perfect setting for physical activity and exploration. Pupils regularly compete in sports matches, honing teamwork and resilience, while also enjoying the chance to try new disciplines—from traditional team sports to adventurous outdoor challenges.

The arts are equally celebrated, with every pupil participating in school plays, concerts, and performances held in our well-equipped theatre. These occasions not only showcase their talents but also foster confidence, creativity, and collaboration.

Leadership opportunities are an important part of our extra-curricular life. Pupils can take on roles such as Peer Mentors, School Prefects, and Heads of various clubs and initiatives, helping to build responsibility, initiative, and a sense of belonging.

Our overnight stays provide the chance for pupils to spend one night a week at school. This unique offering strengthens our community spirit, allowing pupils to develop independence, resilience, and closer bonds with their peers in a safe and supportive environment.

Through Holmwood’s rich extra-curricular life, we aim to spark a lifelong passion for self-development and discovery. Pupils learn the value of commitment, leadership, and enjoyment beyond academics—qualities that prepare them for success both within school and beyond.

Meet our Holmwood House Senior School Leadership Team

Emma Booth Head of Seniors, Head of Science

Qualifications: Bsc (Hons), PGCE, QTS

Emma brings nearly two decades of experience teaching Science in secondary schools and colleges, with a particular passion for Chemistry. She holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Bath and a PGCE in Secondary Science. Over the course...

Jonathan Collins Director of Studies, Head of Secondary Mathematics

Qualifications: Bsc (Hons), PGCE, QTS

Jonathan Collins is the Director of Studies and Head of Secondary Mathematics at Holmwood House. He has a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Exeter, a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Brighton, and is in...

Angela Isherwood Director of the Wider Curriculum and Head of Geography

Qualifications: BA (Hons), PGCE, QTS

Angela has taught at Holmwood House since January 2024. Angela came to us with a wealth of secondary school and GCSE teaching experience, with a background as a geography and science teacher. She also has experience working in the City...

Lauren Watson Head of English

Qualifications: BA (Hons), PGCE, QTS

Lauren Watson is an experienced English teacher with a deep passion for literature and language. She is Head of Secondary English, bringing with her a commitment to developing confident, creative, and independent thinkers. Lauren holds a BA (Hons) in English...