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.
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, Brookham Pre-prep was built within the grounds of Highfield and this building is home to our Nursery to Year 3 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 continues to enjoy an outstanding reputation as a top preparatory school for children aged 8-13 that offers an excellent all-round education, and its long tradition of scholarship success continues.
What we’re up to…
A musical treat kicked off the second half of term at our Informal Concert, with wonderful violin and vocal performances. Held throughout the term, these concerts feature a small selection of children from across the school, giving them the chance to perform in a relaxed, intimate setting in front of their peer performers and parents. They’re a lovely way for pupils to build confidence, develop their skills, and experience the joy of performing for others. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been shortlisted as a finalist for the @sacpa_association Safeguarding Initiative Award, with winners to be announced today. This recognition celebrates individuals, teams and organisations who go above and beyond to create safe and nurturing environments for children and vulnerable people. The SACPA Awards are a highlight of the safeguarding calendar, shining a light on best practise and inspiring continuous improvement across education, care and community settings. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 3 had a fantastic time in Spanish today celebrating the Day of the Dead! They learned about this vibrant festival, which honours the lives of loved ones who have passed and discovered how it’s celebrated across Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. The children loved making traditional colourful ‘papel picado’ and bright paper marigold decorations using their Spanish vocab to choose their colours. A joyful and memorable lesson full of creativity and culture! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Listening #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The DT workshop was buzzing with excitement today as our Year 4 pupils got creative building their very own Anderson Shelter models. From sketching out ideas to carefully constructing each shelter, they brought their WWII topic to life and gained a real sense of how families once worked to stay safe. It was wonderful to see so much teamwork, imagination, and enthusiasm on display, learning history through hands-on making at its best! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Over half term, our Year 7s were given a special challenge – to gather objects and sources that represent who they are and the stories that make them unique. Back in class, they transformed their collections into a wonderful museum-inspired exhibition, sharing glimpses of their lives with each other. Along the way, they explored how to make thoughtful inferences, while discovering just how fascinating curation and research can be. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 2 arrived at school this morning to a big surprise: their classroom chairs had gone on strike! A note explained that the chairs were feeling underappreciated and would only return once they’d received letters from the children promising to treat them better. As part of their persuasive writing lesson, the children wrote thoughtful letters with lovely illustrations, sharing how much they valued their chairs and how carefully they’d look after them. Will their words have worked wonders – will their chairs be happily back in class tomorrow morning? #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Before half term, our boarders had a spook-tacular time celebrating Halloween together! After putting plenty of thought (and a few scares!) into their costumes, they set off across the school grounds to give the community a fright with some good old-fashioned trick-or-treating. Luckily for everyone, there were only treats this time – no ghosts or ghouls in sight! Our brilliant Catering Team also got into the ‘spirit’, serving up some fang-tastic Halloween fare. Head over to our stories for a peek at the boarders’ night-time woodland walk. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Boarding #BoardingSchoolLife #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
A magical education that lasts a lifetime. Join us for our Open Morning on Friday 28th November and discover what makes Highfield and Brookham a special place for children to grow, learn and thrive. With 175 acres of opportunity, our school offers a nurturing environment, inspiring teaching and a strong community for ages 2–13. See how we prepare children not just for senior school, but for life. We’d love to welcome you. Book your place today: https://bit.ly/4hlM7bL #TogetherWeGrow #HighfieldandBrookham #OpenMorning #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrep #Nursery #HampshireSchools #SurreySchools #WestSussexSchools #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
As the anticipation builds for our much-loved Bonfire Night, so does the bonfire itself! Our dedicated Grounds Team has been hard at work preparing the fire for one of the school’s most cherished events of the year. Excitement is certainly in the air as we get ready for this special evening on the school calendar. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeEnjoy #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The sun came out and so did the smiles at our Multi-Sports course! Led by the fantastic Assure Coaching team, the children enjoyed a variety of fun, sports-inspired games and activities, from dodgeball and football to hockey, human battleships and team challenges. There was something for everyone to enjoy, and it was wonderful to see new friendships forming as the children played together. #TogetherWeGrow #SchoolHolidayCourses #WeLoveSport #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Spooky happenings were afoot on the Junior Cookery course today! Our young chefs cooked up some frightfully fun delights, including Butter Bean ‘Ghoulash’, Toffee Apple Chocolate Slices, Chocolate Orange Pumpkin Cakes and Smoked Beetroot Houmous. There was plenty of chopping, slicing, stirring and baking as they brought their eerie creations to life – and they even cooked their own lunch too! #TogetherWeGrow #SchoolHolidayCourses #WeLoveToCook #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
It was such a pleasure to welcome Jordon back to school and true to form, he made a beeline for the playing fields to watch the boys in footballing action. Jordon joined us in Year 7, and it was wonderful to hear just how much those two years meant to him. He spoke warmly about how the space and opportunities here helped spark his passion for sport, especially football. We were so proud to hear that he’s taken that passion with him to @charterhousesch, and even more so to see him now captaining the Turks and Caicos U15 national team. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
They say ‘it takes a village’ – and that’s exactly what our Boarding Team is. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring team who make Highfield and Brookham a genuine home away from home for our boarders. Through their warmth and dedication, they create a nurturing community where children feel happy, supported and part of a family. Friendships blossom, confidence grows and memories are made that last a lifetime. #TogetherWeGrow #BoardingSchool #Boarding #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We’ve unveiled our newly redesigned Year 4 classrooms this term and they’re so much more than a refurbishment. The transformation reflects our ongoing commitment to creating inspiring, purposeful learning spaces that meet the needs of today’s children and prepare them for the future. Click the link below to read more. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Old Highfieldian, William (Class of 2021), now at @sherborneboys , has completed an incredible 103-mile walk to raise money for Highfield Highreach Holidays – our volunteer-run programme providing week-long residential breaks for children and young adults with additional needs. Having volunteered himself, William was so inspired by this wonderful initiative that he wanted to give something back. Setting off from Sherborne on Monday 20th October and arriving at Highfield and Brookham on Friday evening, he covered the distance in just five days. So far, he’s raised nearly £2,300, and if you’d like to help him reach his target, please head to the link in our bio to donate. We couldn’t be prouder of William and this truly inspiring achievement. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The glorious autumn colours have sparked so much creativity among the children on our Nature Crafting course, led by the wonderful team at Corylus Collective . They’ve been busy making all sorts of creations, from hessian owl lavender-scented doorstops and jute string pumpkins to wood slice fox decorations, conker spider webs, and beautiful leaf art. It’s amazing what can be made with a little imagination and a helping hand from Mother Nature. #TogetherWeGrow #NatureCrafting #LearnOutdoors #Creativity #SchoolHolidayCourses #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
A magical education that lasts a lifetime. Join us for our Open Morning on Friday 28th November and discover what makes Highfield and Brookham a special place for children to grow, learn and thrive. With 175 acres of opportunity, our school offers a nurturing environment, inspiring teaching and a strong community for ages 2–13. See how we prepare children not just for senior school, but for life. We’d love to welcome you. Head to our bio above to book your place. #TogetherWeGrow #HighfieldandBrookham #OpenMorning #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrep #Nursery #HampshireSchools #SurreySchools #WestSussexSchools #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
It’s always wonderful to pause and appreciate the beauty around us and the way each season transforms our surroundings. Autumn is especially breathtaking here, with the grounds coming alive in a spectacular display of colour. We’re so grateful to our dedicated Grounds Team for the care and attention they put into maintaining this beautiful site for our community to enjoy and learn in. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeExplore #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Kickstart the festive season and get ahead of the Christmas rush – join us for a magical Christmas Shopping Evening on Friday 14th November, from 3:30pm to 7:00pm! Enjoy a one-stop festive shopping experience with an incredible mix of local independent stallholders, discover thoughtful gifts, seasonal treats and something special for everyone on your list. @agapesophia_ Albi&Mac By Joanna Ltd @casasantelia @chuckle_soaps Combe Cottage Pottery Craftiful Studio @eco_deco11 @fieldflowershaslemere @fior_skin_care Honeysuckle and Rose Honey Dot Designs @jbpostcards Kaboodlebag @kirstygilespottery Little Fish, Sushi in the Sticks Mousekins.com Noble and Stace Chocolatiers @oarsum_ @100_acres Pup Goes The Easel @ramstergarden.events @reia_store @samfairbairnart @suegriffiths_jewelleryparties @smithyanco @sewn_by_celia @thehawkleyinn Tisan Jewellery Tucca Swim @willinghurstestate @ziorva #SupportLocal #ShopLocal #TogetherWeGrow #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 5 and 6 treated us to a wonderful afternoon of music at their autumn term concert. From rock bands to piano, recorder and singing solos, every performance was delivered with heart and enthusiasm. The audience was completely captivated and there was certainly plenty of toe tapping along the way. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Kickstart the festive season and get ahead of the Christmas rush – join us for a magical Christmas Shopping Evening on Friday 14th November, from 3:30pm to 7:00pm! Enjoy a one-stop festive shopping experience with an incredible mix of local independent stallholders, discover thoughtful gifts, seasonal treats and something special for everyone on your list. @agapesophia_ @albiandmac @byjoannaofficial @casasantelia @chuckle_soaps @combecottagepottery @craftiful.thecreativestudio @eco_deco11 @fieldflowershaslemere @fior_skin_care @honeysuckleandroseuk @honeydotdesigns @jbpostcards @kaboodlebag @kirstygilespottery @littlefishsushiinthesticks Mousekins.com @nobleandstace @oarsum_ @100_acres @pupgoestheeasel @ramstergarden.events @reia_store @samfairbairnart @suegriffiths_jewelleryparties @smithyanco @sewn_by_celia @thehawkleyinn @tisanjewellery @tuccaswim @willinghurstestate @ziorva #SupportLocal #ShopLocal #TogetherWeGrow #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
There’s nothing better than being outdoors with friends, having fun and learning new skills and the children on this week’s Bushcraft course did just that. Rain didn’t dampen their spirits as they threw themselves into every activity, from building camps and carving pumpkins to toasting s’mores over the fire. It was a joy to see such big smiles and a real sense of adventure all round. #TogetherWeGrow #SchoolHolidayCourses #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The children on this week’s Multi-Activities course have been busy from start to finish, ziplining, building dens in the woods, swimming, making crafts, playing football and so much more. With something for everyone to enjoy, the course has truly lived up to its name. It’s a week full of laughter, energy and new friendships, all wrapped up in a wonderfully active and fun-filled experience. #TogetherWeGrow #SchoolHolidayCourses #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex