History
Highfield School was founded in Southampton in 1892 by Mr EA Wells, the owner and first Headmaster. The school first opened as a boys’ prep with 18 pupils. In 1904, Mr William Mills became the owner and Headmaster and moved Highfield to its present 175-acre site in Liphook, on the Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey border.
The new purpose-built school opened in September 1907 with 32 boys, all boarders. The school grew steadily; a beautiful Chapel was added in 1910, with other buildings quickly following suit. Mr Mills, who was ordained in 1912 and later became an Honorary Canon of Portsmouth Cathedral, remained Headmaster until 1953. Under Canon Mills, the school grew to accommodate 120 boys and established an enviable reputation for academic and sporting excellence. Highfield pupils won many scholarships to the leading English public schools, including Eton, Winchester, Shrewsbury, Charterhouse, Rugby and Sherborne.
Canon Mills died in 1953 and was succeeded by his son, Peter. The school became co-educational in 1978 and also began to take day children into the junior part of the school. Peter Mills retired in 1979 to be succeeded by Old Highfieldian Robin Orr, who remained Headmaster until 1993. During his tenure, school numbers rose from around 120 to almost 170. Under Nigel Ramage, Mr Orr’s successor, the school began a considerable programme of refurbishment and building work. Mr Ramage was succeeded in 1999 by Phillip Evitt when the compulsory boarding requirement ended, although many children still choose to board to this day, with almost all boarding for at least part of their final two years. Phillip Evitt retired in 2022 and was succeeded by Mrs Suzannah Cryer, current Head of Highfield and Brookham.
Today, all departments have designated teaching rooms. New Science, Maths and Computing facilities were opened in September 2000. A new indoor swimming pool was opened at Easter 2005, and a new Music School in 2006. Today, Highfield is genuinely co-educational with equal numbers of girls and boys. In 1992, a new building, designed by Petersfield-based architect, Roger Hill Building Design, was built within the grounds of Highfield to house our Pre-Prep children.
Highfield and Brookham is owned by Mr William Mills, the grandson of the founder. Mr Mills is also Chairman of the Board of Directors. Today, Highfield and Brookham continues to enjoy an outstanding reputation as a top Pre-Prep and Prep school for children aged 2-13 that offers an excellent all-round education, and its long tradition of scholarship success continues.
What we’re up to…
Some schools look right on paper and some feel right the moment you walk through the door. On Friday 20th March, we invite you to experience Highfield and Brookham for yourself. Meet our inspiring staff, tour the school with our pupils and discover a community where academic excellence sits alongside curiosity, kindness and confidence. You’ll know if it’s right, just by being here. Reserve your place here bit.ly/4bPKuSK #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We’ve had such a brilliant Burns Night celebration today, huge thanks to Mr Gunn. Kilts, bagpipes and a whole-school ceilidh, what an unforgettable day! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BurnsNight #Ceilidh #ThankYou
Our nursery chefs have been busy making flapjacks today but it’s not just about sweet treats. From listening carefully to instructions, working together as a team to practising, counting and measuring, cooking is a hands-on way to build confidence, focus and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #EYFS
Getting into character at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where history came alive for our Year 6s, through hands-on learning and imaginative exploration. Trips are such a vital part of our curriculum as they bring learning to life and broaden experiences beyond the classroom. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #year6 #schooltrip
Quiet curiosity in action. Our Year 6 pupils explored the Carpenter’s Cabin at @phdockyard — connecting with the skills, stories and lives of the past. Trips are a vital part of our curriculum as they bring learning to life and broaden experiences beyond the classroom through real-life exploration. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #year6 #schooltrip
Looking back at #2016 reminds us that while some things naturally change, the heart of life at Highfield and Brookham remains the same. Some residential trips are still much-loved favourites, others have evolved, sporting opportunities have changed and grown and our facilities have continued to develop — but our commitment to knowing, supporting and caring for every child remains exactly the same. Were you a pupil in 2016? We’d love you hear your memories. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Looking back at #2016 reminds us that while some things naturally change, the heart of life at Highfield and Brookham remains the same. Some residential trips are still much-loved favourites, others have evolved, sporting opportunities have changed and grown and our facilities have continued to develop — but our commitment to knowing, supporting and caring for every child remains exactly the same. Were you a pupil in 2016? We’d love you hear your memories. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #2016
While choral singing in schools faces challenges, the Chapel Choir at Highfield and Brookham are certainly keeping the tradition alive. In our very own chapel, the Highfield and Brookham Chapel Choir come together regularly to celebrate music, community and the pure joy of singing. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #choir #chapelchoir #choralsinging
While choral singing in schools faces challenges, the Chapel Choir at Highfield and Brookham are certainly keeping the tradition alive. In our very own chapel, the Highfield and Brookham Chapel Choir come together regularly to celebrate music, community and the pure joy of singing. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #choir #chapelchoir #choralsinging
We’re thrilled to see OH Gil H (2022) named among @wellingtoncollege’s new Academic Scholars. Huge congratulations to Gil, who already holds a full Music Scholarship — an amazing achievement and well-deserved recognition of his talent and dedication. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #scholarship
We loved welcoming a reviewer from Tatler Schools to Highfield and Brookham this week and were thrilled to read her email this morning: ‘Highfield and Brookham felt like a warm hug, one of the most charming, friendly prep schools I have visited.’ If you’re considering schools and would like to experience that ‘warm hug’ for yourself, we’d be delighted to show you around. Our next open morning is Friday 20th March, you can reserve your place here bit.ly/3NKPz4N #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TatlerSchoolsGuide #IndependentEducation
We loved welcoming a @tatlerschools reviewer to Highfield and Brookham this week and were thrilled to read her email this morning: ‘Highfield and Brookham felt like a warm hug, one of the most charming, friendly prep schools I have visited.’ If you’re considering schools and would like to experience that ‘warm hug’ for yourself, we’d be delighted to show you around. Head to the link in our bio to arrange a visit. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TatlerSchoolsGuide #IndependentEducation
Year 3 explorers stepped into the world of the ancient Maya – complete with animal noses and mighty mouths – and discovered how masks, myths and rituals helped bring this remarkable civilisation to life. Such a great way for the children to understand what everyday life was like in the Mayan Civilisation. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Year3 #History
In a fantastic workshop led by Portals To The Past, our Year 3 historians tried out a traditional Mayan-style board game, discovering how play was part of everyday life in this ancient civilisation – from strategy and teamwork to a little friendly competition. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Year3 #History
Hands-on science magic in Year 4! Watching ice melt has never been so exciting – lots of big questions, brilliant predictions and even bigger smiles as the children explored heat, change and a little bit of wow-factor at the Bunsen burner. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #science #Year4
Curious minds are at work in Year 4. Concentration levels were high as our young scientists carefully observed ice melting over a Bunsen burner, testing predictions and working like real chemists in the lab. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #science #Year4
We are delighted to report that Highfield and Brookham pupils have excelled in their @abrsmmusic and @lamdadrama examinations. Read the full story in the link in our bio. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Drama #music #lamda #ABRSM
A hard-fought match for our boys’ 1st XI football team match today against a strong @daveniesschool side in the quarter final of the @isfafootball U13 Bowl competition. Sadly, the result didn’t go our way, but the boys certainly showed their grit, determination and teamwork as they battled hard until the final whistle. Well played all and good luck in the semis @daveniesschool. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWePlay #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #football
We welcomed Year 5s from Easebourne and Beaconhill Primary today for a lively music and drama workshop. Together, they explored characters and songs from The Lion King and prepared an unforgettable show for their families. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInclude #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
How do bees make honey? What are their hives made of? These were just some of the questions our curious Year 1s explored today. The children learned from expert beekeeper Michelle Ernoult, who shared fascinating insights into the lives of these important pollinators and, best of all, they enjoyed a closer look at a real beehive and the essential equipment used by beekeepers — a wonderful hands-on learning experience. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Bees
How do bees make honey? What are their hives made of? These were just some of the questions our inquisitive Year 1 children at Highfield and Brookham have been exploring. And what better way to find the answers than by learning from an expert? Beekeeper Michelle Ernoult – Bees, Bugs & Botanical visited the school to give the children a fascinating insight into the lives of these vital pollinators. They enjoyed taking a closer look at a real beehive and learning all about the equipment beekeepers use, bringing their learning to life in a fun and memorable way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Bees