Self Belief. Aspiration. Kindness….
“Holmewood House is known as being one of the top Prep schools in the country, for its excellent teaching, outstanding facilities and supportive pastoral care….
“Burgeoning creative and sporting talents make the most of an arsenal of extracurricular opportunities, from squash to shooting” Good Schools Guide
“Pupils are extremely well taught and many leave with academic scholarships, but more importantly they leave knowing themselves and what kind of learner they are” Talk Education
“A non-selective admissions policy coupled with top-notch pastoral care, plus a real emphasis on the arts and creative subjects as well as academia is creating a winning formula for happiness and success – and pupils are leaving well-rounded, buoyant, and excited for their top-tier schools” Talk Education
About Us
Holmewood House is a non-selective, day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3–13, set in 32 acres of beautiful grounds in Tunbridge Wells. We promote a ‘growth mindset’ culture that fosters intellectual curiosity and resilience, encouraging students to aspire to their best, regardless of ability.
Our aim is to prepare pupils for life beyond Holmewood, helping them understand their role in the wider world. We encourage every child to find their voice and be their best, promoting positivity, encouragement and inclusivity. Our core values of Self-Belief, Aspiration and Kindness guide everything we do.
Our Pre-Nursery and Nursery
Children can join our Pre-Nursery in the term they turn 3 and move to Nursery at age 4. Both Pre-Nursery and Nursery are housed in a bright, spacious building surrounded by extensive grounds. The two classes are separated for specialist activities such as phonics but otherwise operate a free-flow system, allowing children to explore their interests freely. With small class sizes, our enthusiastic and highly qualified staff provide abundant opportunities for children to play and explore their world in a safe, nurturing environment.
The children frequently use the main school grounds and facilities for nature walks, swimming lessons, and games sessions. Additionally, they enjoy weekly specialist music and French lessons. Pre-Prep also have specialist teaching in French, Music, Games & PE and Swimming alongside core subjects taught by their Form Teacher. There are extensive clubs after school for the children to enjoy including football, climbing, judo, swimming, dance, chess and gymnastics.
Extra “wraparound” provision
We support working parents by offering a home-from-home environment. Parents of day pupils can use the Breakfast Club from 7:30-8:00 am for all year groups. Pre-Prep ‘Owls’ provides care until 6:00 pm, while clubs and activities for Years 3-5 and Junior Boarders run until 6:00 pm. Years 6-8 have supervised prep until 6:00 pm unless they attend a club. Additionally, children in Years 3-8 can opt to stay overnight in our cosy boarding house.
Boarding
Pupils can choose full, weekly, or flexi boarding at Holmewood starting from Year 3. Our recently refurbished boarding houses, located on the first floor of the Mansion House, include four boys’ and three girls’ dormitories with room for expansion. Mr Wukics, along with his partner Isobel, leads our dedicated boarding team. Together, they create a home-from-home where children can thrive as individuals while being part of something bigger. Boarders, both British and international, enjoy all the on-site facilities and participate in extensive weekend trips, both local and further afield, while also having time to relax. We offer a London Chaperone service between Tunbridge Wells and London, allowing London pupils to benefit from a country prep school education.
Awards and Bursaries
Holmewood House offers awards to Year 7 pupils who demonstrate exceptional ability across various disciplines, including academics, art, drama, music, sport and design technology / engineering. The application deadline is 31st January of Year 6, with assessments held in the Spring Term for September entry. To support families who need it, where appropriate, this initiative is tied to access to our bursarial support. Holmewood House broadens access to the school by providing means‑tested financial support with fees for eligible families through its Bursarial Awards.
Next steps
Leavers go on to a range of senior schools from Tonbridge to Sevenoaks, Marlborough to Eton. As well as academic scholarships, many also win scholarships in drama, sport, music, DT and even chess!
EYFS tours and next Open Morning
Holmewood is a happy and vibrant school full of opportunities. But don’t just take our word for it. Come and visit us in Tunbridge Wells and see for yourself what an inspiring place for children Holmewood truly is. Our next Open Morning is taking place on Friday 15th May – places can be booked here.
Alternatively, book a private tour on weekdays throughout the term. Small group tours are also available for parents and carers considering entry into Nursery and Reception. Please contact our Admissions Manager, Caroline Mulley, on admissions@holmewoodhouse.co.uk or call 01892 860 006.