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Monday 7:15am - 6pm Tuesday 7:15am - 6pm Wednesday 7:15am - 6pm Thursday 7:15am - 6pm Friday 7:15am - 6pm

Colchester Prep & High School

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Colchester Prep & High School

Colchester Prep & High School An independent co-educational school for boys and girls, aged 2 to 16 We do hope we have given you a good sense of who we are and what makes us unique.

Colchester Prep & High School is a co-educational independent school, for ages 2 to 16, where inspiring teachers will build in your child the confidence, self-belief and strength of character to achieve their full potential. Whilst our pupils attain excellent academic results, we also provide an education which offers something far deeper and far more lasting, one which places a central importance

on character development, social responsibility and global citizenship. Combined with our enriching and forward-thinking STEAM curriculum and Digital Literacy mastery programme, a Colchester Prep & High School education develops creative and inquisitive minds, ready to shape tomorrow’s world. The foundations of this success are laid in our all-year-round Nursery, where our experienced practitioners engage each child with an individually targeted blend of free-flowing play and formal learning in phonics and mathematics. It is built on in our Prep School, where we offer an engaging and immersive curriculum designed to build a strong foundation. And it is completed in our Senior School, where our subject-specialist teachers encourage our pupils to set their own high expectations, widen their horizons and determine their roles in society. Beyond the classroom, our extensive extra-curricular programme, varied trips and outdoor education provision will encourage your child to develop new talents and create a curiosity about the world and people around them. Whether your child is interested in sport, music and performance, digital and creative arts, sustainability, entrepreneurship, robotics or debating, there is an activity for them. Academic and subject scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 of our Senior School. Pupils looking to enter our Prep School, can also apply for a three-Year Academic Scholarship for entry into Year 6. Every pupil from Pre-Prep to Year 11 is provided with their own 1-2-1 device to ensure that they benefit from the use of technology to support and enhance their learning whilst ensuing they have the digital skills required for the 21st Century workplace. Colchester High School is proud to be a Microsoft Showcase School, joining an elite group of only 53 schools in the UK. Colchester Prep and High School is a close-knit school community, where pupils are given the opportunity to mix across year groups and learn from their peers but also to take leadership positions and act as positive role models. Combined with our excellent pastoral care and school House System, your child will quickly feel part of the Colchester Prep and High School family. In an every-changing world, one thing every parent needs to be sure of is an excellent education for their child. To learn more about Colchester Prep and High School, please contact Susan Hilton, our Admissions Manager to book an appointment to attend one of our upcoming Admissions Events.

11/02/2025

At Colchester Prep & High School, we are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for an individual with a dynamic and engaging personality to join our team as a Prep School Teacher, overseeing the preparation and delivery of the 11+ process.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with the CSSE 11+ entrance process and will be a highly organised and creative individual who can inspire and challenge pupils.

If you are interested in this role, you can apply online now: https://www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk/careers/.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 2 March.

#11+

10/02/2025

A day of creativity and innovation at our STEAM Experience Day for Year 6!

From building VEX robots, to cooking up delicious cookies in Food Tech, exploring new worlds with the green screen, and crafting sustainable fashion with sock puppets ♻️✨ — it was all about hands-on learning and fun!

And the best part? Everyone left with their very own CPHS Lego lunchbox 🥳— we're all just as excited as you are!

07/02/2025

Today has been all about fun, numbers, and supporting a great cause at Colchester Prep & High School! 🎉🔢

We’re celebrating NSPCC Number Day by getting creative with maths and raising awareness for a brighter future for every child.

By getting involved, we’re supporting NSPCC’s mission to help children across the UK feel safe, happy, and supported🔢

04/02/2025

A huge thanks to Mark from who recently visited us, for supporting our pupil-led sustainability strategy at our STEAM Centre, Colchester Prep & High School! 🌿

Our pupils had the opportunity to measure and explore air quality around our city school as part of the amazing CALM project 🌍💚

03/02/2025

We are excited to announce a Wicked-Themed Performing Arts Workshop this upcoming February Half Term on Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 February 10am-3pm, run by The International Drama Academy at CPHS 🎭🎼

The two-day workshop offers a fantastic opportunity for your child to explore the magic of musical theatre and performing arts.

Sign up now to reserve your child’s place - https://www.idaonline.education/colchester-wicked-workshop

There are limited spaces available, and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. A payment of £60 is required. For children aged 6-16 years old.

30/01/2025

This week, our Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 pupils had such a beautiful morning welcoming our Chilean exchange students to their Forest School session! 🌿☀️

Together, they explored the woods, collecting leaves, grass, stones, and sticks before heading to the meadow to create stunning mandala symbols 🌸✨

It was heartwarming to see the collaboration and friendship in the outdoors between Reception, Year 1, Year 2, and our new friends from Chile.

29/01/2025

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating from us at Colchester Prep & High School!

Wishing everyone health, happiness, and good fortune in the Year of the Snake! 🐉✨

28/01/2025

Don’t miss your chance! ⏳

The deadline for the Year 6 Three Year Academic Scholarship application is approaching fast—apply before 7 February 📚✨

Take the next step toward your child's future today at Colchester Prep & High School.

For more information or for an application form please email [email protected].

24/01/2025

GREAT NEWS! 🙌 We've opened up our Marvellous Maths Taster Day to Years 1 & 2 pupils as well as Reception.

Come and join us on Friday 7 February 9.30am-11am for some hands-on, engaging maths activities in celebration of NSPCC's Numbers Day! 👏🔢

Your child does not have to be enrolled at CPHS currently. Children must be of the required age to join Reception in September 2025, or currently pupils in Year 1 or 2.

To book your place or for any enquiries please email [email protected] or call 01206 217 116.

23/01/2025

Join us for our Year 3 & 4 Kitchen Science morning! 🍴🧪Saturday 8 February 9.30am-11.30am.

Engage in a variety of fun and exciting experiments that connect science to everyday life.

To book your child’s place, please call 01206 217 116 or email [email protected]. This event is open to all pupils currently in Year 3 or Year 4 so please invite friends to come along too.

We look forward to an exciting morning of learning! 🙌

22/01/2025

Give your child the best start at Colchester Prep and High School Nursery!

From age 2, we provide a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. With outstanding reviews on Day Nurseries, parents rave about the care, education, and support their little ones receive ✨

Located in the heart of Colchester, we’re here to help your child thrive!

20/01/2025

Congratulations to Maddy, a former Colchester Prep & High School pupil and scholar, on signing her first professional contract with
!🎉

We are so proud of everything you’ve achieved, and this is just the beginning! A true talent and well-deserved success.⚽

Swipe to see a young Maddy, excited and determined to pursue her dream ➞

15/01/2025

Come and join us for our Marvellous Maths Reception Taster Morning on Friday 7 February 9.30am-11am for some hands-on, engaging maths activities in celebration of NSPCC's Numbers Day! 👏🔢

Your child does not have to be enrolled at CPHS currently. Children must be of the required age to join Reception in September 2025.

To book your place or for any enquiries please email [email protected] or call 01206 217 116.

An independent co-educational school for boys and girls, aged 2 to 16

13/01/2025

According to The Telegraph's annual report on the best value for money among independent schools across Britain, Colchester Prep & High School were proudly rated as 'Good Value for Money' out of 1,200 institutions, placing us amongst the top private schools in our area. This prestigious recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience while ensuring outstanding value for our families and pupils.

*Lunches and 12% VAT included from 2025.

Link to full article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/private-school-labour-tax-raid-best-value/

07/01/2025

A Winter Wonderland Adventure

Join us for a morning of sensory exploration and simple science activities as we explore the joys of Winter at our Sensory Science Winter Wonderland Play and Learn.

Open to all children from 18 months to 4 years old. All children must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or other guardian and not currently a pupil at CPHS.

Please email [email protected] or call 01206 573389 if you would like to attend.

11/12/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Colchester Prep and High School has been ranked 20th in The Times Parent Power Schools Guide for 2025, placed in the 'Top independent secondary schools with no sixth forms' category.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement as it recognises the exceptional work of our pupils and staff in such a prestigious publication, that is compiled based on exam results and published annually.

We are so proud - what a year we have all had at Colchester Prep and High. 🌟💙

02/12/2024

✨Thinking of a new school for the new year?

At Colchester Prep and High School, pupils join an inclusive welcoming community where they can truly flourish.

Take the first step toward your child’s bright future; book your tour before Christmas to make a January start possible.

📩 Contact us to start your child’s journey.

Address

15 Wellesley Road
Colchester
CO33HD

Opening Hours

Monday	7:15am - 6pm
Tuesday	7:15am - 6pm
Wednesday	7:15am - 6pm
Thursday	7:15am - 6pm
Friday	7:15am - 6pm

Website

http://www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk/

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Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating from us at Colchester Prep & High School! Wishing everyone health, happiness, and good fortune in the Year of the Snake! 🐉✨ #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheSnake #CPHS #Education

We are thrilled to announce that Colchester Prep and High School has been ranked 20th in The Times Parent Power Schools Guide for 2025, placed in the 'Top independent secondary schools with no sixth forms' category. We are incredibly proud of this achievement as it recognises the exceptional work of our pupils and staff in such a prestigious publication, that is compiled based on exam results and published annually. We are so proud - what a year we have all had at Colchester Prep and High. 🌟💙

We understand that sometimes, starting a new school cannot wait until September. This urgency may stem from various factors, such as families relocating, pupils who are academically gifted and require more challenge, or even learning gaps resulting from the pandemic's effects. If you're contemplating a mid-year enrolment for your child, join us for our Open Morning on Thursday, 5 December. Visit our website to reserve your place today.

We’re Hiring! We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Media and Comms Coordinator to join our fantastic team. If you are an excellent communicator, with outstanding content creation skills, we want to hear from you! Explore the opportunity and apply now: https://www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk/careers/

The deadline for Scholarship applications and portfolio submissions for Year 7 September 2025 entry is TODAY! Scholarships are available in English, Mathematics, Science, Music and Performing Arts, Digital & Creative Art, Technology, STEAM and Sport. If you would like more information about our Scholarship programme, contact our Admissions Team on 01206 217 116 or at [email protected].

📣SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE📣 The deadline for Scholarship applications and portfolio submissions for Year 7 September 2025 entry is Friday 25 October. Scholarships are available in English, Mathematics, Science, Music and Performing Arts, Digital & Creative Art, Technology, STEAM and Sport. If you would like more information about our Scholarship programme, contact our Admissions Team on 01206 217 116 or at [email protected]. #steampoweredfutureready

There are a limited number of places still available for our Year 7 Taster Day* on Wednesday 16 October. If your child is starting their Seniors adventure and joining Year 7 in September 2025, there is still time to explore a Colchester Prep and High School education for them. Register your child today so they can be part of this fantastic experience, and discover first hand how our STEAM Powered, Future Ready curriculum makes us the first choice school for so many families. To learn more about this event and to book your child's place, please contact our Admissions Manager at [email protected] or call 01206 217 116. *Open to Year 6 pupils registered for September 2025 entry.

It was wonderful to welcome so many families to our Prep Open Morning today, and we look forward to welcoming everyone tomorrow for our Senior Open Morning too. If you want to see how the possibilities are endless for pupils at Colchester Prep and High School, book your visit today. Thank you to all the pupils who helped us with this film. 🌟

💡STEAM Powered, Future Ready 💡 We can't quite believe it was just over week ago that we officially opened our brand new Steam Centre of Excellence and Innovation. It's been such a fantastic start to the term and academic year. Have you ever wondered what STEAM is? Come and discover for yourself the power of our “STEAM Powered, Future Ready” education. Our children learn in optimum class sizes, with experienced and dedicated teachers who believe that every child should have the self-belief to be the changemakers of tomorrow’s world. Attend our Open Mornings: Prep Open Morning - Friday 4 October Senior School Open Morning Saturday 5 October Book your place at www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk

We are proud to announce that we have been ranked 9th in The Times Parent Power Guide for 2024. The highly esteemed guide is compiled based on examination results and is published annually. We could not be prouder to have been placed so highly in the 'Top fee-paying schools with no sixth form' category. In our 2023 GCSE results, 45% of all grades awarded were 7-9; the highest levels of academic achievement available. If you would like to see how your child could ‘aspire higher’ with us, contact our friendly admissions team to book your personal tour today: 01206 589 998 or [email protected] or Follow the link: https://www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk/open-days-and-visits/ #steampoweredfutureready #cognitaschool #colchesterhighandprepschool

Not long to go now! To learn all about our STEAM POWERED, FUTURE READY curriculum, and to see our brand new STEAM centre in action, book your place at our upcoming Open Mornings: Prep School - Friday 4 October Senior School - Saturday 5 October Call us on 01206 573 389 or email [email protected] to book your place.

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Our Story

Colchester High School is Colchester’s only independent school for girls and boys aged 2½ to 16, uniquely able to offer an excellent family-friendly education to children from Nursery through to Year 11.

Our welcoming environment and combination of small classes and high-quality teaching allows us to give each child the individual attention they need to flourish. As a result, our pupils exceed national expectations at every level and perform consistently well at the 11+ Examination and GCSEs.

The foundations of this success are laid in our all-year-round Nursery, where our experienced practitioners engage each child with an individually targeted blend of free-flowing play and formal learning in phonics and maths. It is built on in our Lower School, where we offer a broad curriculum designed to help each pupil progress at the right speed. And it is completed in our Senior School, where our subject-specialist teachers help pupils meet our high expectations.

The School offers a traditional academic education to educate our students to the very highest standard. A broad and balanced curriculum and experienced, friendly and supportive teachers allows for a clear focus on the strengths of each child. The progress of pupils is regularly and individually monitored to encourage exceptional progress and identify areas for development, ensuring each pupil achieves individual success.