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.
Our STEAM powered curriculum, combined with a global perspective and strong values, inspires children to explore, create, and innovate.
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.
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 2025 GCSE results, 48.7% of grades were 7-9; the highest levels of academic achievement available (National Average 21.8%). Our recent Attainment 8 score of 60.9 places us as the top-performing non-selective co-educational school in North East Essex.
OUR NURSERY PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL START FOR CHILDREN FROM 2 YEARS OLD
- Specialist teaching in Modern Foreign Languages, Science and PE (plus extra-curricular clubs in Art, Cooking, STEAM Activities)
- Millie's Mark for First Aid Excellence
- EYFS funding offered for 15 hours
- Weekly outdoor learning through Forest School
- A blend of creative play and STEAM, with structured phonics and maths
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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It is not too late to join us for a festive morning of creativity at our Christmas Crafts Early Years Play & Learn session on Friday 28 November, 10.00am–11.00am🎄
Get into the Christmas spirit with a morning of seasonal arts and crafts, where your child can explore their creativity and enjoy hands-on festive fun.
Your child does not need to be a pupil at Colchester Prep & High School, but must be aged between 18 months and 4 years old.
📩 To book your place, please email admissions@colchesterhighschool.co.uk
or call 01206 217 116.
We look forward to welcoming you for a joyful start to the festive season.
#CPHS #STEAMEducation #EarlyYears #ChristmasCrafts #FestiveFun #Colchester #CreativeLearning
Our Prep School pupils have been spreading festive cheer across Colchester!
Last week they took part in a lantern-making workshop with @mercurytheatrecolchester in preparation for the Christmas festivities, and on Saturday they joined the Christmas Lights switch on and lantern parade through the city centre with their homemade lanterns.
Our pupils continue to play an active role in local events, helping to bring the community together throughout the year ✨🎄
#CPHS #Colchester #CommunityInAction #PrepSchool #STEAMEducation #SchoolCommunity @colchestercitycouncil
This week, our Pre-Prep pupils were delighted to receive beautifully crafted hedgehog houses, thoughtfully designed and built by our Year 9 pupils in their DT/Art lessons.
Despite the rain, our pupils ventured into the forest to find the perfect, safe, and sheltered spot for their new homes. Once found, they worked together to camouflage the houses with leaves, moss and sticks, helping them blend seamlessly into the woodland 🌿✨
A huge thank you to our brilliant Year 9 pupils for creating the hedgehog houses, and to Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 for their enthusiasm and effort in Forest School. This project is a wonderful example of meaningful collaboration between our Prep and Senior School, showing how teamwork and community spirit can create something truly special — for both our pupils and local wildlife! 💙
#CPHS #ForestSchool #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #STEAMEducation #PrePrep #Prep #Senior #Collaboration
Looking for a Reception 2026 school place? 🌟
Due to high demand in our Prep School over the summer, we’ve expanded and completely renovated our Reception classroom, now featuring innovative and creative STEAM-inspired wall art!
We’re inviting you to our Reception Taster Day on Friday 21 November from 9.30am—come and explore the bright, engaging learning spaces where our pupils thrive, develop a love of learning, and build the strong academic foundations that set them up for future success.
Alternatively, join us for our Mid-Year Admissions Morning on Thursday 4 December. Spaces are limited, so to book your place, email admissions@colchesterhighschool.co.uk
or call 02106 217 116.
#CPHS #Reception #MidYearAdmissions #OpenMorning #TasterDay #STEAMEducation #Expansion
Last week our Year 8 pupils were busy exploring the world of electronics during their lessons with Mr Abbott. Using soldering irons safely and confidently, they followed step-by-step instructions to create their very own working electronic circuit boards.
It was fantastic to see their determination, problem-solving skills, and excitement as their projects came to life! 🔧💡
Since the opening of our state-of-the-art STEAM Centre last September, pupils across the school have benefited from dedicated lessons inside this innovative building. The centre includes a fully equipped recording studio and green screen suite, a food science lab, a climate science room, design and engineering spaces, and a range of creative zones designed to support hands-on learning.
These spaces allow our pupils to experiment, collaborate, and develop real-world skills across Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics — enriching their learning and sparking curiosity every day ✨
#STEAMEducation #CPHS #STEAMPoweredFutureReady #Innovation #Electronics #Science #TheArts
CPHS families, you’re invited to join us for our annual Christmas Fayre on Friday 5 December, 3:30–5:00pm, hosted by our fantastic CHSA!
Come and enjoy a festive afternoon full of fun:
🎁 Pupil-led stalls – creative gifts, treats, and surprises!
🎟️ Raffle – top prize £200 Amazon voucher, plus memberships to Essex Wildlife Trust, Jimmy’s Farm, and many more exciting prizes!
🎯 Tombola – plenty of chances to win!
☕ Refreshments available – warm drinks and festive treats to enjoy!
It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, have some fun and support our school community. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Christmas Fayre celebration! 🎄
Please note this is for current families at Colchester Prep & High School only.
#CPHS #STEAMEducation #SchoolCommunity #CHSA #JoinUs #SaveTheDate
At our STEAM Centre, Year 8 pupils enjoyed hands-on learning in Food Technology this week.
They explored the techniques of kneading, folding, and preparing cheese scones, combining practical skills with creativity and innovation. The scones looked amazing and tasted even better! 🧑🍳
#STEAMinAction #InnovativeLearning #FoodTechnology #STEAMEducation #CPHS
🌟 Scholar Spotlight: Barney 🌟
Barney is a wonderful example of how creativity and dedication flourish when the Arts are at the heart of learning.
Alongside his impressive piano talents, Barney is also a passionate dancer. He trains at the Pamala Hebberd Academy of Dance, where he continues to refine his skills and explore his love for performance.
In October, Barney’s hard work paid off as he achieved a merit in his Grade 3 Modern Theatre Dance exam — a fantastic milestone that reflects his commitment, perseverance, and enthusiasm for the Arts👏✨
At CPHS, we are proud to see our scholars thrive across disciplines. The Arts lie at the very heart of our STEAM curriculum, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and confidence both in and beyond the classroom. Barney’s achievements beautifully demonstrate how music, movement, and imagination come together to inspire excellence.
A huge congratulations for your excellent achievement!
#CPHS #STEAMEducation #ArtsAtTheHeart #CreativeExcellence #Proud #InspiringThroughTheArts #Achievement #Scholar
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