Academic Performance

The school is essentially non-selective and the ability range is wide. Pupils are assessed on entry to inform individual plans, identify cognitive abilities and support learning needs. Pupils at the school do not participate in National Curriculum Key Stage testing. Common Entrance at 13+ is a non-standardised entry examination for senior independent schools.

The Common Entrance examination average for the cohort of pupils who completed their studies at Holmwood House School in 2009 was 56.6% calculated as a mean of results for all pupils in English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), French, Latin, History, Geography and Religious Studies.

Predictions taken from annual analysis of Cognitive Abilities Test results for Key Stage 2 indicate that on average 94% of pupils would achieve a Level 4 or higher in English, Mathematics and Science. At Key Stage 3, predictions indicate that 80% of our pupils will achieve a Level 6 or higher in English, Mathematics and Science.

The school prides itself in preparing the pupils for their future senior schools at 13+ and we celebrate a 100% success rate for entry to:

Oakham School, Ipswich School, Stowe School, Framlingham College, Oundle School, Eton College, Worth School, Uppingham School, Ampleforth College, Royal Hospital School, Rugby School, Harrow School, St. Joseph’s College, Felsted School, Gosfield School, New Hall School, Colchester Royal Grammar School, St. Mary’s School, Stowe, Haileybury and Culford School.


In 2009, pupils were awarded academic scholarships to New Hall, Ipswich and Oundle, and sporting and all rounder scholarships to St Joseph’s, Felsted and Framlingham.

In recent years (2007-2009), pupils have been awarded academic scholarships to Ipswich, Rugby, Oundle, Felsted, Colchester High, and King’s, Canterbury, and a variety of other types of scholarships to Framlingham, Felsted, Oakham, Ipswich, Oundle, The Royal Ballet School, St Mary’s, and St John’s College, Cambridge.