STAFF and students at a Colchester school are celebrating after maintaining their excellent rating.

The independent Holmwood House School, on Chitts Hill, Lexden, received the result last Friday, following a visit from inspectors last month.

The school’s headteacher, Edward Bond, said: “The Holmwood children shone and were amazing ambassadors for their school throughout the inspection.

“Academic rigour goes alongside sparking wonder, and to have it affirmed that our pupils develop very high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding as they move through the school is fantastic.”

Detailing its findings, the Independent Schools Inspectorate praised the pupils' “excellent attitudes to their learning”, but suggested that early years education could be improved by ensuring that “curriculum planning includes clear learning intent”.

The school, which is part of the Bellevue Education group of schools, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022.

Gregg Davies, Bellevue’s education director, said: “[This report] is the culmination of much hard work by the staff and children and is well deserved.”

As part of its centenary year celebrations, the school announced it is extending its provision from age 13 to age 16 in September.

Mr Davies added: “This is one more exciting initiative which I am convinced will make Holmwood House the best independent school in the area.”