Welcome to the Senior School
Holmwood House is an Independent Senior School for pupils aged 11–16, situated on a 25-acre rural campus near Colchester in Essex. The secondary section, which takes pupils from Year 7 through to Year 11 and GCSEs, offers a unique blend of a stimulating, inspiring curriculum within a nurturing and supportive setting.
The school sits in a rural setting within 25 acres of grounds at Lexden, just on the outskirts of Colchester. Its accessible location allows families to reach it easily from many 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 – Building Strong Foundations for Success
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.
For more information about Year 7 entry Click Here
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.
For more information about GCSE Options Click Here
The Holmwood House Enrichment Experience
At Holmwood House, education extends far beyond the classroom. Our Enrichment Experiences offer pupils a diverse range of opportunities to explore new interests, develop essential life skills, and ignite a lifelong passion for learning. From creative arts and sporting challenges to outdoor adventures and community engagement, our carefully curated programme, which runs both during the school day and through an extensive after-school programme, encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and nurtures well-rounded individuals.
Whether they’re taking to the skies in a glider during an activity week, navigating the countryside on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition, leading collections for the local food bank, or honing their public speaking skills in the World Scholar’s Cup debating competition, there’s an opportunity for every pupil to discover their potential and make the most of every experience.
