WELCOME TO COLCHESTER PREP & HIGH SCHOOL
Over the past 140 years Colchester Prep & High School has built a reputation for providing an excellent all-round education whilst preparing pupils to be confident, balanced individuals, ready for a rapidly changing world.
Today that reputation still stands.
By combining a STEAM powered curriculum with a global perspective and a deep sense of responsibility, we provide children with an education that gives them the skills and confidence to challenge, question, explore and create the world they want to see.
We inspire them to be the next generation of entrepreneurs, digital creatives, engineers and inventors. We believe that every child should have the self-belief to be the changemakers of tomorrow’s world.
But don’t just take our word for it, come discover for yourself the power of a STEAM powered, future ready education.
WE ARE STEAM POWERED
FUTURE READY.
Learn more about how our STEAM Powered Future Ready curriculum is creating
the Changemakers of Tomorrow’s World.
RANKED 20TH IN THE TIMES PARENT POWER GUIDE
We are proud to announce that we have been ranked 20th in The Times Parent Power Guide for 2025.
The highly esteemed guide is compiled based on examination results and is published annually.
We could not be prouder to have been placed so highly in the ‘Top independent secondary schools with no sixth forms’ category.
In our 2024 GCSE results, 34% of grades were 7-9; the highest levels of academic achievement available (National Average 22%).
READY TO EXCEL.
Our children exceed national expectations in every age group – from Early Years to excellent results at the 11+ and GCSE results.
READY TO GIVE IT YOUR ALL.
Through participation in a wide range of enrichment opportunities, we develop fulfilled, well-rounded, happy children, with the skills and resilience to become tomorrow’s leaders.
READY FOR THE UNKNOWN.
Our STEAM powered curriculum and Digital Literacy programme, includes everything from robotics and podcasting, animation to food science. Perfectly equipping our pupils to step fearlessly into the "future jobs" that have not even been invented yet.
READY TO STAND UP FOR WHAT'S RIGHT.
Our pupils leave Colchester Prep & High School with a strong sense of citizenship, a respect for others and an understanding of the world around them.
MEET OUR HEADTEACHER,
MS GRACIE-LANGRICK
Ms Gracie-Langrick has over 25 years experience in Independent co-education and is passionate about developing the qualities in our young people that will help them to reach their full potential and improve the world around them.
Under her leadership and guidance, the school has achieved a double excellent in the ISI Inspection; retained its status as a Microsoft Showcase School for 3 years; attained the prestigious Eco Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction in 2023; and most recently gained the ISA Award for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing.
“We inspire our pupils to become the changemakers of tomorrow’s world."
- Ms Gracie-Langrick, Headteacher
INSPECTIONS AND AWARDS
EXCELLENT INSPECTION REPORT 2022
We are proud to have been awarded the highest possible grade: EXCELLENT in ALL areas in our ISI Inspection.
As well as being fully compliant in every aspect of the Regulatory Compliance Inspection, it was determined that the children's academic achievement is "Excellent" and the children's personal development is "Excellent".
AWARDED MICROSOFT SHOWCASE SCHOOL
Colchester Prep & High School has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School, dedicated to using technology for personalised learning and school-wide transformation.
Through 1:1 devices and tools like Microsoft Teams, Office 365, and OneNote, we enhance students' experiences, ensuring their skills seamlessly apply to real-world scenarios and future projects.
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Alumni Success – Beau’s Musical Journey 🎷
Beau joined CPHS already playing violin and piano, but it was here that a love for the saxophone was born, thanks to the encouragement of one of our inspiring music teachers.
His dedication to the saxophone has led to remarkable achievements, including becoming the youngest saxophonist selected for the National Youth Jazz Collective residential course.
This year, from over 3,000 applicants, Beau earned one of just five places to study music at the prestigious Brit School for Years 12 and 13.
We’re so proud to have supported the start of this amazing journey. Congratulations👏💙
Swipe to see Beau all grown up and pursuing his passion for music! ➡️
#CPHSAlumni #AlumniSuccess #TheBritSchool #MusicEducation #STEAMEducation #CPHS

Our Year 9 & 10 pupils are making the most of their time in Barcelona.
Discovering local landmarks, sampling delicious Spanish food, and putting their language skills into practice!
An unforgettable adventure full of culture and learning 🌍📚
#CPHS #SeniorSchool #Enrichment #MFL #SpanishLanguage #Barcelona #STEAMEducation #SchoolTrip

This week at Forest School, Ketchup joined our Pre-Prep pupils for an adventure in the woods with Emily, who he was with for the week.
He hitched a ride on Mr. Julier`s trolley, the highlight of his day! Pupils were then given the all-important task of finding sticks for Ketchup and ordering them by size, before building him a cosy den to relax in.
Safe to say, everyone, including Ketchup had a wonderful time in the sunshine at Forest School! ☀️ 🌳
#ForestSchool #KetchupAdventures #OutdoorLearning #CPHS #STEAMEducation #PrePrep

Day 2 at Cuffley!
After a delicious cooked breakfast, our Year 7 & 8 pupils set out for a day packed with outdoor adventure, challenge, and teamwork.
First up: learning the clove hitch knot to build a bridge and rescue stranded barrels, a great challenge in teamwork and problem-solving.
Next, it was all hands on deck to design and build off-road vehicles using poles and barrels, followed by some high-energy races.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to target sports. From hitting bullseyes in archery to the excitement of axe throwing (including mastering the one-handed technique!).
Later, it was time to learn a core survival skill: fire-lighting using flint and steel, cotton wool and Vaseline.
As evening set in, the adventures continued with wacky races, zip lining and team challenges before the group gathered around a glowing campfire—sharing stories, laughter and marshmallows under the stars.
A fantastic day full of resilience, curiosity and new experiences for our CPHS pupils.
#STEAMEducation #Cuffley #OutdoorLearning #Enrichment #Adventure #Teamwork

Night 1 at Cuffley!
From crafting their own stone-baked pizzas to tucking into ice cream desserts under the trees, Year 7 & 8 had a feast for the senses.
As evening fell, pupils gathered around a campfire where they sang, danced, and shared stories, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The day concluded with a classic treat: roasting marshmallows and making s’mores with friends.
A memorable experience filled with laughter and lasting memories.
#CampLife #OutdoorAdventures #PizzaParty #CPHS #Enrichment #STEAMEducation

A recap of day 1 at Cuffley for our Years 7 & 8 pupils!
Our pupils had a fantastic first day at Cuffley Activity Centre! After a super journey down and a freshly prepared lunch, they jumped straight into the action with activities like den building, orienteering, and zip lining. They were then winding down, excited for an evening around the campfire.
What a brilliant start to the adventure! ✨
More updates to follow on what our CPHS pupils have been up to!
#CPHSAdventures
#OutdoorLearning #CuffleyCamp #Enrichment #SeniorSchool

Today we commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day — a special moment to come together as a school community and remember a turning point in history.
We began with a two-minute silence to reflect on the significance of the day, followed by a cheerful VE Day picnic-style lunch enjoyed by all.
It was a wonderful opportunity to learn, remember, and recognise the enduring values of unity, resilience, and hope 💙
#VEDay80 #CommemoratingHistory #SchoolSpirit #PeaceAndUnity #CPHS

Join us for a fantastic morning of creativity at our Puppet Parade: Early Years Play & Learn on Friday, 23 May, from 10.00am to 11.00am.
With a focus on creative learning, we’ll be getting crafty by making our very own puppets, then bringing them to life in a mini puppet show at the end! 🎭✨
Your child doesn’t need to be a pupil at Colchester Prep & High School, but must be aged between 18 months and 4 years old.
To reserve your spot, please email admissions@colchesterhighschool.co.uk or call 01206 217 116.
#CPHS #STEAMEducation #PuppetPlay #EarlyYears #Colchester #ImaginativePlay #HandsOnLearning

JOIN US ON A PERSONAL TOUR
We would be delighted to invite you to our wonderful school and share with you what makes Colchester Prep & High School the first choice school for so many families.
BEGIN AN
UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE
2 - 4 years old
4 - 7 years old
7 - 11 years old
11 - 16 years old