A HISTORIC private school and nursery is understood to have been sold.

Holmwood House Preparatory School, based in Lexden and its nursery in Great Horkesley, is set to be taken over by Bellevue Education.

The company already owns 12 independently-run schools across the UK and an international boarding school in Switzerland.

The school’s owner, PFC Education LLP, sold the school as a going concern.

Headteacher Alexander Mitchell told parents: “I am truly excited about the future for Holmwood House.

"With Bellevue as our new owners I’m looking forward to leading the school into the next chapter of the school’s history."

Bellevue Education's Schools Director, Steven Wade, added: "We are delighted to welcome Holmwood House School into the Bellevue family.

"Each of our schools has its own unique ethos and characteristics, but are united by shared values and commitments.

"We take pride and celebrate the diversity of our schools and very much look forward to working with colleagues, pupils and parents at Holmwood House to provide an educational environment that challenges, nurtures, excites and involves every single pupil in the school."

The school and nursery employ 118 staff and caters for more than 400 girls and boys aged from six months to 13.

Daytime fees range from £3,265 to £5,765.

The nursery, opened in 2007, takes babies from six months and is based in Coach Road, Great Horkesley.

In the latest inspection report, the school and nursery were rated outstanding.

The independent school, which also offers boarding accommodation, was founded in 1922 by Frances and Ernest Duggan.

In 1952 their son Stuart became a partner with his mother, an experienced and highly-respected teacher, who had run the school alone since her husband’s death in 1940.

Mr Duggan’s appointment as joint head meant the school could be re-admitted to the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS), which had barred women from membership.

In 1968 he brought in former pupil, Jeremy Lucas, to form the partnership which was to run the school for the next two decades.

Together they expanded the school from about 70 boys to more than 350 boys and girls aged from four and a half upwards.

In 1985 the school opened its doors to girls.