Holmwood House School

Holmwood House School is a leading co-educational nursery, preparatory and senior school for children aged 6 months to 16 years. Occupying over 25 acres of beautiful grounds in Lexden near Colchester, the school provides an inspiring learning environment and boundless opportunities for discovery and exploration through a broad curriculum, extensive range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities to experience independence through our overnight stays and flexible boarding. Founded in 1922, the school has stayed true to its heritage and tradition whilst pioneering new technology and innovation. Holmwood House sparks curiosity and ignites wonder in each and every child, allowing them to develop individuality, confidence and tenacity to reach their true potential and achieve personal success.

Ages

6 months to 16 years

Co-educational nursery, preparatory and senior school (day with flexible boarding)

Number of pupils

358

Average
class size

Up to 18

“Holmwood is an extension of our family values. Children are nurtured and encouraged to be the best version of themselves. My child is so happy at Holmwood and enjoys taking part in all aspects the school has to offer.”

Parent

Head's welcome

I am delighted to welcome you to Holmwood House School and Nursery, where I believe we provide a truly inspiring learning environment and boundless opportunities for discovery and exploration, that enables our pupils to develop their individuality, confidence and tenacity.

At Holmwood House, we aim to instil in each child a lifelong curiosity and love of learning through a broad, rigorous and enriching curriculum that is anchored in our learning philosophy; The 5Rs. The learning journey starts in our Nursery, located in an idyllic woodland location near Great Horkesley, where children as young as 6 months can join and stay until the age of 4. From the age of 3 children join the Early Years, Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior school at our main location in Lexden, Colchester, which occupies over 25 acres of beautiful grounds.

Laetatus Sum or ‘I am glad’ is our school motto and the guiding principle of everything we do at Holmwood House. We firmly believe that providing a happy learning environment is the key to each child’s progress and success. This underpinning core value is evident through our strong sense of community amongst parents, pupils and staff.

Ed Bond, Headteacher

History of the school

In 1922 Holmwood House was opened by Mr and Mrs E F Duggan with the aim ‘to develop the individuality and abilities of each child, to make them self-reliant and adaptable’. The world has changed a great deal in the school’s first century, but we feel these underlying values still ring true today.

Except for wartime evacuation, the school has remained on the same site, two miles from the centre of Colchester. In 1985 Holmwood House began accepting girls, and in 2006 our nursery was opened in Great Horkesley.

Having started with just three children, the school now has thriving Nursery, Early Years, Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior departments set in beautiful grounds, providing 300 boys and girls, up to the age of 13, an inspiring learning environment and boundless opportunities for discovery and exploration.

We are incredibly proud of the school’s history, and have stayed true to its heritage and tradition whilst pioneering new technology and innovation, as we move towards its second century.

Visit the website Latest inspection report Holmwood House Nursery

Head's welcome

History of the school

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