HOLMEWOOD HOUSE - An independent preparatory school, for boys and girls aged 3-13 years, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Academic

For detailed information on each subject, please see separate subjects in our Curriculum section.

To see how many lessons of each subject the children have, download
Curriculum Table

It is hoped that the majority of pupils will remain at Holmewood to take Common Entrance or scholarship entry exams to senior independent schools at 13+. Holmewood will, however, always support parents in their search for the right senior school for their children and recognise that some parents plan that their children will move into local authority grammar schools at 11+. The Headmaster will be delighted to discuss appropriate senior school options with parents.

Specialist Teachers
Our junior year groups (Years 3 & 4) have their core curriculum subjects with their form teachers. They have specialist teachers for French, Art, Music, DT, swimming and games. From the start of Year 5, all lessons are taught by subject specialists.

Scholarship & Common Entrance Forms and Setting
Maths is set by academic ability in Years 3, 4 & 5. In Year 5, further setting takes place in English and French.
From Year 6, a scholarship stream is introduced to prepare appropriate children over a three-year period for senior independent school scholarship exams in Year 8.
The majority of the children are prepared for Common Entrance exams to a wide range of senior independent schools with setting and subject options providing the right curriculum balance and challenge to fit the ability profile of the children.

Exams
There are school exams in November and June for Years 5 to 8.
Common Entrance candidates have three practice exams before taking the exam in early June in Year 8. Scholarship candidates also have plenty of exam practice, but they normally sit these exams earlier in the Year (February to May, depending on the school).

Reports
Children in Year 3 upwards have full reports on each subject at the end of the Autumn term and at the end of the Summer term.
In addition to these end of term reports, assessment slips are sent home in the middle of each term. The assessment slip consists of a set of attainment and effort grades for each subject, with a brief comment from the form teacher or tutor.