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…
Our first open morning of 2026 is Friday 9th January! Visit us to discover how our education from Nursery all the way to Year 8 provides children with a magical education that lasts a lifetime. Meet our Head, Suzannah Cryer and other key academic staff. Enjoy a tour of the school with some of our pupils, experience our warm and caring environment and see first-hand how your child would thrive here. Head to the link in our bio to reserve your place. #TogetherWeGrow #HighfieldandBrookham #OpenMorning #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrep #Nursery #HampshireSchools #SurreySchools #WestSussexSchools #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Pupils from Years 4-8 created some truly beautiful designs for this year’s Christmas card competition. We are so proud of these wonderfully talented young artists who showcased imagination, creativity and added a sprinkle of festive cheer! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Pupils from Years 4-8 created some truly beautiful designs for this year’s Christmas card competition. We are so proud of these wonderfully talented young artists who showcased imagination, creativity and added a sprinkle of festive cheer! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We are excited to announce the launch of the new iPQ Reference hub in the school library, which aims to strengthen the Year 8 pupils’ research skills and ignite real curiosity. This academic initiative reflects Highfield and Brookham’s ongoing commitment to equipping children with the life skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Read more here:
Our Junior Choir filled the room with joy this morning! Children from Year 1 to 3 sang with such confidence, showing how starting their musical journey early boosts creativity, learning and wellbeing. Their beautiful performance truly thrilled the audience with festive spirit. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our Junior Choir filled the room with joy this morning! Children from Year 1 to 3 sang with such confidence, showing how starting their musical journey early boosts creativity, learning and wellbeing. Their beautiful performance truly thrilled the audience with festive spirit. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 6 immersed themselves in the world of the Tudors ahead of next term’s history topic. Their trip to London brought them face-to-face with Tudor royalty at the National Portrait Gallery and the West End performance of “Six”. A fabulous way to spark excitement for this fascinating period of British history! #TogetherWeGrow #Tudors #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 6 immersed themselves in the world of the Tudors ahead of next term’s history topic. Their trip to London brought them face-to-face with Tudor royalty at the National Portrait Gallery and the West End performance of “Six”. A fabulous way to spark excitement for this fascinating period of British history! #TogetherWeGrow #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Where else can you find a donkey, a cow, a camel, a tiny chick, a few shepherds, some kings, a sprinkle of angels, twinkling stars, a carpenter, an innkeeper, and a brand-new mother and baby all together in one place? At the Nursery “Nativity” performance, of course! For many, it was their very first time on stage, and our little performers put on a truly magical show. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeShine #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Where else can you find a donkey, a cow, a camel, a tiny chick, a few shepherds, some kings, a sprinkle of angels, twinkling stars, a carpenter, an innkeeper, and a brand-new mother and baby all together in one place? At the Nursery “Nativity” performance, of course! For many, it was their very first time on stage, and our little performers put on a truly magical show. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeShine #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Inspired by the Princess of Wales’ message on the “importance of kindness” and the quiet compassion that changes lives, our Chapel Choir visited Liphook Day Centre to share festive joy with the local elderly community. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeCare #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Inspired by the Princess of Wales’ message on the “importance of kindness” and the quiet compassion that changes lives, our Chapel Choir visited Liphook Day Centre to share festive joy with the local elderly community. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeCare #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Toes were tapping all the way through the Year 1 Christmas performance, “Knock, Knock!” The children’s clever and playful adaptation of the traditional nativity was a joy to watch. They sang proudly, supported one another and lit up the stage with festive cheer. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Toes were tapping all the way through the Year 1 Christmas performance, “Knock, Knock!” The children’s clever and playful adaptation of the traditional nativity was a joy to watch. They sang proudly, supported one another and lit up the stage with festive cheer. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Reception set the festive season alight with a delightful performance of “We Three Kings” and a selection of nativity songs. Their heartfelt, joyful singing captivated everyone, and it’s always fantastic to see the children performing together, enjoying a real sense of achievement. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Reception set the festive season alight with a delightful performance of “We Three Kings” and a selection of nativity songs. Their heartfelt, joyful singing captivated everyone, and it’s always fantastic to see the children performing together, enjoying a real sense of achievement. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 7’s outstanding dramatic performance of “Lord of the Flies” had the audience captivated, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats! From the accomplished work on stage to the meticulous efforts backstage, the entire ensemble demonstrated remarkable teamwork, creating a truly memorable and polished performance. #TogetherWeGrow #AimingHigh #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 7’s outstanding dramatic performance of “Lord of the Flies” had the audience captivated, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats! From the accomplished work on stage to the meticulous efforts backstage, the entire ensemble demonstrated remarkable teamwork, creating a truly memorable and polished performance. #TogetherWeGrow #AimingHigh #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 3 brought their Iron Age topic to life by creating their own miniature wattle-and-daub houses and village. With creativity and plenty of clay-covered hands, they turned history into a truly hands-on experience. The children didn’t just study the past – they experienced it! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 3 brought their Iron Age topic to life by creating their own miniature wattle-and-daub houses and village. With creativity and plenty of clay-covered hands, they turned history into a truly hands-on experience. The children didn’t just study the past – they experienced it! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our Year 8 children were ready and raring to go this Open Morning as they waited to guide prospective parents around the school. It’s always a joy to see how proud they are of the school – and there’s truly no better way for families to learn about life here than by hearing it directly from the children themselves. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It takes a team to bring the festive cheer, and our fantastic Grounds Team has done just that. A big thank you to them for bringing the magic to life! #TogetherWeGrow #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex