Welcome to the Upper Prep and Senior School
At Holmwood House Years 7 & 8 move into Upper Prep, this means that we can provide pupils with a rigorous secondary academic curriculum, but with the prep school care and opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into secondary education . From Year 9, pupils enter the Senior School as they embark on their journey through to GCSEs. Schools are about discovery and growth which is why we continue to focus our education in these years on sparking curiosity and igniting wonder in and out of the classroom. Small class sizes allow our high quality teachers to create inspirational learning environments to inspire, support, and challenge each girl and boy for just that goal.
Upper Prep
Years 7 & 8 offer our pupils unparalleled levels of academic endeavour for these crucial. Our specially designed SPARK programme is built by focusing on the key foundational secondary knowledge and mapping backwards from GCSE so pupils have begun that pathway and are developing the necessary skills. Not the youngest, as they would be in a senior school, but the eldest pupils at the top of the school, they develop tremendous independent learning skills, life skills and a confidence unmatched in other settings.
Potential academic scholars are stretched and challenged in small classes, which also nurture those pupils who require additional support. At Holmwood we aspire to seamlessly weld the two essential sides of education – intellectual and emotional; achievement and character.
Senior School
Our Senior School covers Years 9 to 11 where pupils enjoy an academically rigorous curriculum supported by a wide range of enrichment opportunities and exceptional pastoral care: so each child is stretched and challenged to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. The opening of our Senior School is an exciting development for the school and it provides pupils with the opportunity to continue on at Holmwood. Our first cohort progressed into Year 9 in September 2023 and they will move continue to move through the school to be our first Year 11 students, taking GCSE in the Summer of 2026.
Our Space
Holmwood is a fantastically well equipped school situated on a 25 acre site. We have an indoor swimming pool, full-size sports hall (with four indoor cricket nets and a bowling machine), glass-backed squash courts, a tennis bubble, superb art facilities (including a kiln room), a fully equipped design and technology room, a large performing arts space, library, 4 outdoor courts and 25 acres of playing fields!
Study and Recreational Area
Years 9 to 11 will have their own base for registration and breaks, befitting their age and needs. This will be equipped both for study and recreation. The Old Stable Block and Railway Shed is being transformed ready for this move.
Sport and Enrichment Activities
In Years 9 to 11 the pupils will have two PE/games sessions, play matches against other schools, and have the opportunity to be involved in high quality drama and musical productions in our well equipped school hall. LAMDA and instrumental lessons are also available. The activity programme will be wide ranging covering more cerebral areas such as debating and language clubs, to sporting or life skills.
Alongside the academic courses we will be offering a number of other options that will enhance develop a range of skills and help prepare them for life after school: they include courses in: Finance, IT and the Higher Project Qualification. Please click here to find out more about the enrichment opportunities on offer.
