‘Like most independent schools, all of Holmewood’s activities and facilities are of a high standard, and equipment is modern. It wasn’t until we had spoken to the Headteacher that we felt that this was the right school for our children. The school’s greatest strengths are its ethos, high moral code; the teachers show caring enthusiasm and a want to teach.
I had the chance to probe the headteacher about dealing with boys, and I dropped the word “punishment” into the conversation. I was suitably impressed with the response. The headteacher challenged my assumptions, presented the school’s ideas on disciplining students, and reminded me about the shared responsibility, between parents and the school, to work together when dealing with the child. The headteacher used words such as train, mentor and coach the student to guide them towards good conduct.
The admissions process was straightforward, efficient and thorough. The school communicates with parents well via the weekly newsletter, personal emails and phone calls. I have never missed a thing when it comes to my children’s education.
My sons are both boarders and so pastoral care is vital for their wellbeing. I thought that the first couple of weeks were going to be difficult, however the opposite has been true; my boys needs were addressed quietly and successfully. The lessons on “My Heart My Mind” have been interesting as they have given my sons space to look at how they feel within themselves, coping with everyday school life. This has particularly helped to bring out the confidence in my youngest child.
I know Holmewood carefully track all of my children’s progress every week through classroom observations, prep-work and outdoor activities. The teachers quickly contacted me about my youngest child not meeting the expected level for maths. They pinpointed how best to support him and move forward.
The Holmewood House school community has worked hard at building connections between families and the school since we joined in September 2021. The Family Funday and Fireworks nights are great examples. I use these times to get together for informal chats with other parents.
All expectations have been achieved so far.’
‘We chose the school for our child because of its academic reputation; we got the overall feeling that it would really suit his attributes.
The headteacher is hardworking, professional and not too sales-oriented which was a distinguishing factor. She comes across as genuine and is interested in getting it right for all concerned, as opposed to promising the Earth!
It was terrifying moving a child relatively late (year 5) and so it felt like a huge leap, but our experience of the admissions process was great.
The school’s communication with parents is always sensitively pitched and intelligently done, not all independent schools manage this.
The school is preparing my child for his next stage of education extremely well. It’s a fantastic school and the education he receives at Holmewood is exactly what I’d hope to be able to provide for him. We feel very fortunate to be able to send him there.’
'We chose the school because of the option of applying for a scholarship, and we knew the school was brilliant.
We were in a state school. However, Holmewood was very generous in offering us a scholarship. It is brilliant that they give opportunities to bright children that cannot afford the full fees.
Potential scholarship children take exams in March. My son was successful and it has been a fantastic opportunity.
The staff are simply amazing, all of them. The kitchen staff, the groundskeepers...the teachers are very knowledgeable. The school secretary helps all the parents, from looking for a lost sock to finding a child that forgot a dentist's appointment at the end of the school day... The staff are all available to help and make the child feel safe and secure.
Everyone is very friendly. The communication is brilliant.
The staff really commits to promote wellbeing. My son sometimes even tells me..."Mum, please don't start talking to me about wellbeing..." - "The school does it all the time."
The school community is quite close. However, you can choose how much you want to participate. There are always games, beautiful concerts, plays where the parents congregate and we talk. We also have coffee mornings. I have always felt welcomed, from day one. I always make sure I welcome the new parents and also the visitors that come to the school to watch an event. The school knows each child well and their families too.
The school has amazed us. Every day something special happens.
My advice to other parents would be if they think something is wrong, just talk to the school. If anything is not right in the parents' views, let a teacher know. They sort the problems overnight. It is brilliant.
We are very privileged to be at this school. Holmewood is fantastic.
We are very grateful for the brilliant education our son is receiving.'