History and modernity sit side by side on Wellesley Road. Founded in 1882 and occupying a series of converted Victorian houses, Colchester Prep & High School (CPHS) serves as a distinctive alternative to the town's large selective grammar schools. As part of the Cognita group, it combines the intimacy of a small provincial independent school with the resources of a global education network.
The school educates boys and girls from age 2 to 16. It is the only co-educational independent school in Colchester for this age range, offering a seamless journey from the Nursery through to GCSEs. Unlike many local competitors, there is no Sixth Form; the focus here is entirely on the formative years, culminating in Year 11.
With a capacity of around 500 pupils, class sizes are deliberately kept small. This allows for a level of individual attention that larger schools struggle to match. The atmosphere is less about hothouse pressure and more about building confidence, with a particular emphasis on Character Education and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
The school operates across two main sites on Wellesley Road. The architecture is domestic rather than institutional; these were once grand family homes, and they retain a sense of warmth and scale that younger children find reassuring. Extensions and modern additions have created specialist spaces, but the Victorian red-brick facade remains the visual anchor.
Ms Karen Gracie-Langrick has led the school since 2020. Her leadership has focused on modernising the curriculum while maintaining the school's "small and friendly" ethos. She describes the school as a place where "every child is known and valued," a claim often made but here supported by the reality of the numbers.
Being part of the Cognita family—a global network of over 100 schools—brings a specific flavour to the atmosphere. Pupils participate in 'Global Be Well Day' and have opportunities to connect with peers worldwide. This international dimension prevents the school from feeling insular, despite its physically compact site.
The prevailing culture is nurturing rather than cutthroat. While academic expectations are high, there is a tangible acceptance of different learning styles. The school motto, God First, appears on the crest, but the daily ethos is driven by the 'Colchester Character' framework, which emphasises resilience, curiosity, and community.
Academic performance at Colchester Prep & High School is strong, particularly given its broad ability intake compared to the local grammar schools.
In the most recent GCSE examinations, the school secured an England Rank of 936. This performance sits above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (National Strong band). The Attainment 8 score of 57.6 is notably higher than the England average of 45.9, indicating that pupils achieve practically a grade higher across their subjects than is typical nationally.
Success in core subjects is a particular strength. The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths consistently tracks well above national figures. In 2024, 21.6% of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at grade 5 or above.
For the primary phase, while published rankings are not available the Prep school feeds directly into the Senior school, ensuring continuity. The curriculum is designed to exceed National Curriculum expectations, with specialist teaching introduced early in subjects such as French, Music, and PE.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The academic approach is defined by the "Cognita Way," which prioritises holistic development alongside exam preparation.
In the Prep School, the focus is on building strong foundations. Literacy and numeracy are central, but the curriculum is broad. STEAM is not just a buzzword here; it is an integrated part of the weekly timetable. The school invests in specialist equipment and runs dedicated STEAM days to foster problem-solving skills.
In the Senior School, teaching groups remain small, often significantly smaller than in the state sector. This allows teachers to spot gaps in understanding immediately. The curriculum offers a wide range of GCSE options including Triple Science, Computer Science, and various Arts subjects.
Technology is embedded in the classroom. The school uses a 1:1 device policy in older years, ensuring digital literacy is second nature. Teachers use platforms like Century Tech to provide adaptive learning that responds to each student's pace.
Support for learning is robust. The school has a dedicated Learning Support department that works with pupils who have mild learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The focus is on integration and enabling access to the full curriculum.
As the school ends at Year 11, the post-16 destination is a critical conversation. The lack of a Sixth Form is seen by the school as a strength; it allows Year 11 students to be the leaders of the school and to make a fresh choice for their A-levels based on their mature interests.
Leavers progress to a variety of destinations. A significant number move on to local grammar school Sixth Forms (such as Colchester Royal Grammar School or Colchester County High School for Girls) if they achieve the requisite grades. Others choose local sixth form colleges like Colchester Sixth Form College, or other independent schools with sixth forms in the wider Essex and Suffolk area.
The school provides extensive guidance throughout Year 10 and 11, hosting careers fairs and sixth form open evenings to help families navigate the transition.
Admission to Colchester Prep & High School is non-selective in the strictest sense, but selective in that the school must be confident it can meet a child's needs.
Entry into the Nursery can be from age 2. This is the main entry point for many families, with children moving automatically up to Reception. For entry into Reception to Year 6, children usually attend a taster day. This allows staff to observe their social interaction and readiness for learning.
The main intake for the Senior School is at 11+. Candidates sit an entrance assessment which usually involves papers in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Unlike the 11+ for local grammar schools, this assessment is designed to identify potential and set a baseline rather than to filter for the top 1% of intellect. A reference from the child's current school is also required.
Places occasionally become available in other year groups. In these cases, entry is based on an assessment and interview with the Headteacher.
The school is popular, and early registration is recommended. Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 and Year 9, typically awarded for excellence in Academics, Art, Music, Performing Arts, or Sport.
Pastoral care is the spine of the school. The small size means that anonymity is impossible; staff know the pupils, and pupils know each other.
The 'Global Be Well' charter underpins the wellbeing strategy, focusing on sleep, diet, exercise, and connecting with others. Each pupil has a Form Tutor who is the first point of contact for parents. In the Senior School, the House system (comprising four houses) provides a vertical structure where younger and older students interact, fostering a sense of belonging.
The school employs a school counsellor and has staff trained in mental health first aid. Bullying is taken seriously, and the school promotes a culture of "calling it out." The PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum is comprehensive, tackling modern issues such as online safety and healthy relationships from an early age.
For a school with a compact footprint, the extracurricular offering is surprisingly dense. The school maximises its Wellesley Road site and uses off-site facilities to ensure a full programme.
Sport is a major pillar of school life. The school uses local facilities, including the Garrison athletics track and University of Essex sports grounds, to supplement its own hall and courts. Competitive fixtures are played against other independent schools in netball, football, rugby, cricket, and athletics. Swimming is taught from Nursery upwards.
Music and Drama are vibrant. There are numerous choirs, an orchestra, and wind bands. The annual school production is a highlight, often involving a large cast and crew. Private music tuition is available for a wide range of instruments.
The enrichment programme includes over 50 clubs. These range from the intellectual (Debating Society, Chess Club) to the creative (Textiles, Pottery) and the active (Karate, Dance). The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is popular in the Senior School, with many students achieving Bronze and Silver awards.
Residential trips begin in the Prep school and continue through to Year 11. Recent excursions have included ski trips to Italy, water sports in France, and cultural visits to London galleries and museums.
For the 2025/26 academic year, fees are inclusive of VAT. Termly fees range from £4,354 for Reception to Year 2, rising to £6,880 for Years 10 and 11. This equates to an annual cost of between £13,062 and £20,640 depending on the year group.
Lunch is charged separately. A registration fee of £125 and an acceptance deposit of £400 are payable on application and acceptance.
The school offers scholarships for entry into Year 7 and Year 9, which can carry a fee remission. Means-tested bursaries are also available for eligible families, designed to widen access to the school; details on thresholds and application deadlines are available directly from the admissions office.
Fees data coming soon.
The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:45pm for the Senior School, with slightly staggered finish times for younger years.
For working parents, this is a key service. Breakfast Club is available from 7:30am. After-school care runs until 6:00pm, offering a mix of structured activities and quiet time for homework.
The school operates a minibus service covering routes across Colchester and the surrounding villages, including Mersea, Tiptree, and the Colne Valley.
Lunch is prepared on-site. The menu is varied and caters to all dietary requirements. Teaching staff eat with pupils, encouraging good table manners and conversation.
No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. This means students must move institution for their A-levels. While this offers a chance for a fresh start, families seeking a single school from 4 to 18 will need to factor in this transition.
Compact Site: The Wellesley Road location is central and convenient, but it is urban. The school does not have acres of rolling fields on its doorstep. While it manages this well with off-site facilities, it feels different to a sprawling country boarding school.
Fees: As an independent school, fees are payable. While competitive compared to some boarding options, they represent a significant investment. Families should verify current fee levels and consider the long-term commitment.
Colchester Prep & High School offers a compelling alternative to the large state grammars and comprehensive schools in the area. It excels in providing a nurturing, manageable environment where children build confidence alongside their academic skills. The results are strong, the STEAM provision is excellent, and the global Cognita connection adds value. Best suited to families who value individual attention and a holistic approach over hothouse pressure, and who are happy to support a move to a new institution for Sixth Form.
Yes. The ISI inspection in December 2022 rated the school Excellent in all areas, including the quality of pupils' academic achievements and personal development. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 57.6, well above the England average.
For the 2025/26 academic year, termly fees range from £4,354 for Reception to Year 2, up to £6,880 for Years 10 and 11. Nursery fees are charged per session; please consult the school website for specific nursery pricing.
No. Colchester Prep & High School educates children up to age 16 (Year 11). Students then transfer to local Sixth Form colleges, grammar schools, or other independent schools for their A-levels.
Yes, for entry into the Senior School (Year 7), pupils sit an entrance assessment in English, Maths, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This is used to ensure the school can meet the child's needs, rather than being hyper-selective.
Class sizes are small, typically ranging between 15 and 20 pupils. This allows for significant individual attention and support from teachers.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
