All-ThroughCo-educationalISI · Excellent
Colchester Prep & High School logo

Colchester Prep & High School

Colchester, Essex · CO3 3HD

AAB+ A-level

9–7 GCSE

43.5%

Day fees

£15k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Colchester Prep & High School is a coeducational all-through independent school with 140 years of heritage, serving ages 3–16 in Colchester, Essex. The school positions itself as STEAM-powered and future-focused, emphasizing innovation, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship alongside traditional academic excellence. It operates as a day school with a strong commitment to character development and well-rounded education, drawing families from the local independent school market in Essex.

  • STEAM-integrated curriculum explicitly designed for modern skill development and digital readiness
  • All-through provision from Nursery to GCSE enabling continuity and deep institutional knowledge of each child
  • Strong academic results across all age groups, with particular emphasis on 11+ and GCSE attainment

Who thrives here

Pupils with curiosity across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; families valuing a holistic, modern curriculum alongside traditional rigour; children who benefit from a smaller, day-school environment with strong pastoral oversight.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Day
Founded1884
Number of pupils287
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£14.8k/yr (inc. lunch)
Settingsuburban
LocationDay school in Colchester town; good local bus routes and rail connections to wider Essex and East Anglia.

Contact & visit

Wellesley Road

Colchester, Essex

CO3 3HD

www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk
01206573389
Ms Karen Gracie-Langrick, Principal

Nearest stations

Colchester Town Railway Station15 min
Colchester Bus Station10 min

Recent investment

STEAM curriculum development and integration across all age groups
Educational technology investment to support digital-first pedagogy

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Colchester Prep & High School?

Day fees at Colchester Prep & High School are approximately £14,790 per year (2026/27).

How do you get into Colchester Prep & High School?

Colchester Prep & High School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Colchester Prep & High School's exam results?

At Colchester Prep & High School, 43.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Colchester Prep & High School a boarding school?

Colchester Prep & High School is a day school in Colchester and does not offer boarding.

What is Colchester Prep & High School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Colchester Prep & High School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

STEAM curriculum and future-focused innovation ethos

All-through school model offering continuity and strong pastoral knowledge of individual pupils

Strong academic results and targeted exam preparation

Emphasis on character and wellbeing alongside academic achievement

Common concerns

!Not yet Ofsted-inspected, limiting independent external validation of school standards