Colchester, Essex · CO3 3HD
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.
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.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
Wellesley Road
Colchester, Essex
CO3 3HD
Nearest stations
Day fees at Colchester Prep & High School are approximately £14,790 per year (2026/27).
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.
At Colchester Prep & High School, 43.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Colchester Prep & High School is a day school in Colchester and does not offer boarding.
ISI rated Colchester Prep & High School “Excellent” (2022).
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