Admissions Policy

General

Holmwood House School is a co-educational independent school for over 300 pupils from ages 4 to 13.  Deciding on the right school for your child is very important and we believe that a personal visit is invaluable.  We very much hope that you and your child will visit Holmwood House School.  We hold a number of open mornings in the school year which give a general introduction to the school.  Details are published on this website.  We are also very happy to welcome prospective parents and their children at other times.  To arrange a visit, please contact our Admissions Registrar, Helen Rogers, on 01206 574305, or email:

helen.rogers@holmwood.essex.sch.uk

The Entry Procedure    

Admission is based on a satisfactory result in an assessment test, which is designed to identify pupils who are able to benefit from our balanced and well rounded education and to make a positive contribution towards the life of the school.  We cater for a wide range of abilities.

The usual points of entry are from 4 years of age into Reception, and at 8 years of age into Year 4.  However, we admit pupils into any year group that has available places.  

Applicants for admission into Reception should register by the January of the year preceding the desired year of admission.

Equal Treatment   

Our aim is to encourage applications from candidates from a diverse a range of backgrounds.  This enriches our community and is vital in preparing our pupils for today’s world.

Holmwood House School is committed to equal treatment for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or social background.  

Special Needs  

We do not discriminate in any way regarding entry.  We welcome pupils with special educational needs, provided that our learning support department can offer them the support that they require.  We welcome pupils with physical disabilities, provided that our site can cope with them.  However, we advise parents of children with special educational needs or physical disabilities to discuss their child’s requirements with Holmwood House School before he or she sits the assessment so that we can make adequate provision for him/her.  Parents should provide a copy of an Educational Psychologist’s report or a medical report to support their request, for example, for extra time or other special arrangements.

We will discuss thoroughly with parents and their medical advisers the adjustments that can reasonably be made for the child if he/she becomes a pupil at the school.  

The Assessment Process

The aim of the process is to identify potential.  We are looking for well-rounded pupils with a genuine interest in education in the broadest sense of the word, with interests that stretch beyond the confines of the academic curriculum.  The school has strong traditions in art, drama, music and sport.  There are many extra-curricular activities, all of which are important in developing a well-balanced, confident individual.

No specific preparation for the assessment tests is needed; all candidates start on an equal footing, with identical opportunities to display their academic aptitude and extra-curricular skills.

Assessment for Reception is based on a 20 minute session with the class teacher in the term before the child is due to start.  Assessment for children in Years 1 to 3 is based on reading, writing and mathematics, and lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

Candidates for entry into the Prep School (Years 4 to 8) sit Cognitive Abilities Tests in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning to provide a snapshot of their ability.

A date for the assessment process for the current year can be arranged through the Registrar.  

Sibling Policy   

Most siblings join us at Holmwood House School.  However, admission is not automatic, and there may be occasions where we advise that a sibling is likely to thrive better in a different academic environment.  Additionally, siblings may have to join a waiting list if they are not registered in good time.     

Scholarships     

Holmwood House School may offer external scholarships for excellence in:

• Academic subjects

• Music
• Sport
• All Rounder  

Bursaries

External bursaries are sometimes available.  Bursaries are means-tested using a standard formula.  Both parents are required to provide proof of their income and assets.  The level of support varies according to parental need; but can extend to 60% remission in cases of proven need and if funds allow.

Bursaries are always offered for 12 months at a time.  The family is required to provide fresh information about its circumstances for every year that their child attends the school.  Levels of support may vary with fluctuations in income.

Bursaries are only offered to families who are resident in the UK.   

Overseas Applicants     

We only accept overseas applicants who are in the country with their parents and have the relevant visa.  This needs to be produced for copying and then held with the Admissions form.    

Fluency in English 

In order to cope with the academic and social demands of Holmwood House School, pupils must be fluent English speakers.  Normally pupils should have been educated in the English medium for at least 2 years before coming to the school.  Tuition in English as an Additional Language (EAL) must be arranged outside school at the parents' expense.

Religious Beliefs

Although Holmwood House School has Christian roots, we do not select for entry on the basis of religious belief.  Parents should be aware that there is compulsory Saturday morning school, and that all pupils are expected to attend.

We are able to offer a vegetarian diet but not a specifically religious one, such as Halal.  

Complaints

We hope that you and your child do not have any complaints about our admissions process, but copies of the School’s complaints procedure can be sent to you on request.