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…
The rain may have held off, but the mud was relentless! Each and every competitor in our annual cross country event showed such resilience and determination from start to finish. Well done all and have a great half term. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #crosscountry @parkside_prep @amesburyschool @edgeboroughschool @barfieldschool @aldroschool @rgsprep @churchersjunior @camelsdaleprimaryschool @barrowhillsschool @feltonfleetschool @hoebridgeschool @hallgroveschool @twyfordschool @westbournehouseschool
Are you a London-based parent thinking ahead about your child’s education? Curious about the benefits of educating outside London? Join us for an informal drinks reception on Wednesday 11th March at @beauforthousechelsea, exploring countryside school options beyond the capital. Our Head, Suzannah Cryer, will be joined by senior representatives from @hanfordprepschool @ludgrove_school @downe_house @marlboroughcollege @tonbridge.school for an open discussion designed to help families make confident, informed choices. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask the experts. 👉 Book via the link in our bio. #EducatingOutsideLondon #CountrySchoolBenefits #ChildrensEducation #LondonKids #LondonMums #LondonDads #LondonFamily #LondonParenting #LondonParents #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices Talk Education
Today we welcomed runners from Amesbury School, Edgeborough School, Barfield School, Aldro, RGS Prep School, Camelsdale Primary School, Barrow Hills School, Feltonfleet School, Hoe Bridge, Twyford School, Hampshire, Westbourne House School, Parkside School, Hall Grove School, Churcher’s College for our annual cross country event. The rain held off, but conditions remained challenging but all the competitors showed true grit and remarkable resilience through relentless mud. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #crosscountry
It was such a joy to watch our Years 1–3 pupils take to the stage for their Spring Concert. Performing before an audience builds confidence, communication and creativity and our youngest musicians had all three in abundance. Such a wonderful concert enjoyed by parents and teachers alike. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #music #preprepmusic
It was such a joy to watch our Years 1–3 pupils take to the stage for their Spring Concert. Performing before an audience builds confidence, communication and creativity and our youngest musicians had all three in abundance. Such a wonderful concert enjoyed by parents and teachers alike. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #music #preprepmusic
Year 3 are exploring the modern Spanish-speaking countries that evolved from the Mayan civilisation. Using Chromebooks, they’ve been researching temples, artifacts, capitals, populations food and currencies. Along the way, they’re using key skills like problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and communication. Next, they’ll turn all this fascinating research into their own fact files. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year3
Year 3 are researching modern Spanish-speaking countries that evolved from the Mayan civilisation using Chromebooks. They’ve been discovering temples, artifacts, places to visit and key information such as capital cities, populations and currencies. Through this hands-on project, the children are developing skills such as research, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and communication. Next, they will use all their findings to create their own detailed fact files, combining knowledge and creativity in a fun, engaging way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year3
Our Early Years children celebrated Lunar New Year by making a tasty stir fry together. This hands-on activity helped them explore the wider world while practising teamwork, listening and problem-solving. Everyone loved tasting their creation! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #LunarNewYear2026
Our Early Years children had a wonderful morning together exploring how #lunarnewyear2026 is celebrated. They loved dragon dancing, making beautiful lanterns and trying some delicious Chinese cookery. Learning through fun and celebration, they practised important skills like teamwork, listening, creativity and fine motor coordination. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
A brilliant way to finish the season for our U13 boys as they secured a win against Aldro. Teamwork, smiles and kit that will need the whole summer to recover! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #rugby
What a way to end the rugby season — a big win, even bigger smiles and a lot of mud. A fantastic game against @aldroschool where the boys really showed their teamwork, grit and resilience. We’re so proud of them. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #rugby
We’re incredibly proud to announce that Highfield and Brookham has been named in @talkeducation’s Top 250 Schools in the UK. Talk Education takes into account a broad range of criteria including teaching and learning, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities. To be included in what their experts consider the best of the best is a wonderful achievement. Curious to find out why? Join us at our next Open Morning, head to the link in our bio to book. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
On #nspccnumberday our nursery children have been thinking carefully about the world of numbers. Activities such as today’s pizza toppings support early number confidence, encouraging children to think, problem-solve and explore mathematical ideas in a meaningful, hands-on way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex
In a workshop run by the fantastic Make the Classroom Disappear, our Year 4 pupils explored Egyptian hieroglyphics, showing fantastic teamwork and collaboration as they mastered unfamiliar characters and supported one another throughout the session. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year4
Year 4 enjoyed a fabulous morning exploring Ancient Egypt and discovered that making mud bricks can be very messy work. The children considered why mud bricks worked well as a building material in a country like Egypt and why they wouldn’t survive in our rainy weather! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year4
Year 7 pupils visited Pre-Prep this morning to share stories with our Year 1s. One Year 1 boy even read a story he had written himself, with his Year 7 friend listening on. Moments like these reflect our values of kindness, confidence and community and give a glimpse of the journey our children make as they grow through the school. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our Year 6 boys benefited from expert coaching with Terry Gilmour, Head of Rugby at @marlboroughcollege. A fantastic masterclass for the boys to enhance their skills, build confidence and teamwork and celebrate the spirit of rugby. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #rugby
Our Year 3 artists have been getting hands-on with clay, creating fantastic fruit and vegetable faces inspired by Arcimboldo. Such creativity, focus and a lot of imagination on display. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Quiet focus, concentration and creativity in Year 3 as pupils were fully absorbed in working with clay, shaping their own Arcimboldo-inspired fruit faces. Working with a material that can be reshaped and reworked encouraged thoughtful problem-solving, as the children learnt that mistakes can be part of the process and they adapted their ideas, made changes and tried again when something didn’t quite work first time. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We were thrilled to see The Wizard of Oz performed recently at @lordwandsworth featuring two of our former pupils, Imogen and Eliza, who moved on to Lord Wandsworth College for senior school. It’s always such a joy to watch Old Highfieldians continuing to shine. Bravo to both girls and the entire cast for a wonderful production. Swipe to see Imogen reunited with her Highfield and Brookham drama teacher after the show. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #drama
Are you considering educational opportunities outside of London? Join us for an evening of discussion at our Annual Drinks Reception on Wednesday 11th March at Beaufort House. This special event is designed for parents with children under 10 who are exploring the advantages of a country school education. Hear from our experts representing six renowned prep and senior schools over drinks in a relaxed atmosphere: Highfield and Brookham School Hanford School Dorset Ludgrove School Downe House School Marlborough College Tonbridge School Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to explore what a country school can offer your family. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Lskanj #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices
Huge congratulations to Jemima who recently won the Petplan Area Festivals Medium Silver at Parwood Equestrian Centre. The whole school community is very proud of your achievement. @british_dressage @parwoodequestrian #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Huge congratulations to Jemima who recently won the Petplan Area Festivals Medium Silver at Parwood Equestrian Centre. The whole school community is very proud of your achievement. @british_dressage @parwoodequestrian #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Are you a London-based parent thinking ahead about your child’s education? Curious about the benefits of educating outside London? Join us for an informal drinks reception on Wednesday 11th March at @beauforthousechelsea, exploring countryside school options beyond the capital. Our Head, Suzannah Cryer, will be joined by senior representatives from @hanfordprepschool @ludgrove_school @downe_house @marlboroughcollege @tonbridge.school for an open discussion designed to help families make confident, informed choices. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask the experts. 👉 Book via the link in our bio. #EducatingOutsideLondon #CountrySchoolBenefits #ChildrensEducation #LondonKids #londonmums #LondonDads #LondonFamily #LondonParenting #LondonParents #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices @talkeducation
Our Romeo and Juliet cast immersed themselves in a Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation workshop, exploring the fundamentals of performance — from projecting their voices and owning the stage to engaging an audience — as they prepare for their forthcoming production at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. It’s wonderful to see their creativity, teamwork and confidence developing and we can’t wait for the finished performance. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex Anvil Arts