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…
Spring is in full bloom at Highfield and Brookham! We feel incredibly fortunate to learn and grow in such beautiful surroundings. From blossom-lined paths to vibrant flower beds, our environment isn’t just a backdrop but part of the experience. Our grounds nurture not just a love of learning, but imagination, wellbeing and a sense of wonder. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #floral #spring #environment
🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌿 This morning, our Year 3 children swapped their classrooms for the canopy and headed out into the woods for a very special one-to-one reading session with their teachers. Today proved once again that the greatest classroom we have is the one outside. On Earth Day 2026, we want to take a moment to celebrate the green spaces we are so lucky to share in our community. Our aim is to educate children who care, who pick up litter, who respect the environment, and who simply pause to notice the world around them. EarthDay.org
As we welcome the children back, we’re so excited for a summer term of discovery, inspiration and the exceptional breadth of experiences that define a Highfield and Brookham education. What are you most looking forward to this term? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #summerterm
As we welcome the children back, we’re so excited for a summer term of discovery, inspiration and the exceptional breadth of experiences that define a Highfield and Brookham education. What are you most looking forward to this term? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #summerterm
The covers are on, the square is prepared and there’s a quiet sense of anticipation in the air… While the school is still, our staff are back and out on the pitch brushing up their skills (and shaking off a little winter rust!) ready for the cricket season ahead. We can’t wait to welcome the children back, brighter evenings, the sound of leather on willow and a summer of cricket awaits. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #cricket #prepschoolsport
The covers are on, the square is prepared and there’s a quiet sense of anticipation in the air… While the school is still, our staff are back and out on the pitch brushing up their skills (and shaking off a little winter rust!) ready for the cricket season ahead. We can’t wait to welcome the children back, brighter evenings, the sound of leather on willow and a summer of cricket awaits. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #cricket #prepschoolsport
Today our whole staff team, from Nursery to Year 8, came together for an incredible day of professional development with the brilliant Amjad Ali. Our teachers, TAs and leadership team spent the day deepening their skills in adaptive, quality teaching so our children get the very best in every single lesson. We know great schools are built on great people and we never stop learning. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TeacherCPD @trythisteaching
Today we were delighted to welcome the fantastic Amjad Ali to deliver a whole-school INSET day for our entire staff community; every teacher, teaching assistant, and member of our Senior Leadership Team, all the way from Nursery to Year 8. The focus of the day was adaptive, quality first teaching, making sure every child, in every classroom, gets the very best learning experience every single day. Our staff came away feeling inspired, energised and full of fresh ideas and the children will be reaping the benefits starting tomorrow.
Are you joining us for Raising the Future? This inspiring conference will explore how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. If you’d like to hear from expert speakers, explore bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve, then we still have one or two tickets left. Head to the link in our bio to reserve them. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool
Are you joining us for Raising the Future? This inspiring conference will explore how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. If you’d like to hear from expert speakers, explore bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve, then we still have one or two tickets left. Reserve yours now! ⬇️ #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership Bedales School
New baby and toddler swim classes! Starting next term, we’re welcoming little swimmers aged 6–24 months. These are gentle, fun sessions with qualified coaches and are perfect for building water confidence at your child’s own pace, whether it’s their first splash or not! Join us for a lovely positive experience for you and your child. And please do share with any friends and family with little ones. Head to our website via the link in our bio to find out more. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #babyswimming #toddlerswimming
Primary school places are announced today and thousands of families across the country will open emails or letters that bring a mix of emotions, relief, excitement, disappointment or uncertainty. If you are searching today for “not happy with primary school place offer”, “what to do if I didn’t get my first-choice school”, or “can I appeal a primary school place decision” you might find some useful information in our blog. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Primary school places are announced today and with that, thousands of families across the country will open emails or letters that bring a mix of emotions, relief, excitement, disappointment or uncertainty. If you are searching today for “not happy with primary school place offer”, “what to do if I didn’t get my first-choice school”, or “can I appeal a primary school place decision” you might find some useful information in our blog. Head to the link in our bio to find it. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #primaryschoolplaces
Bushcraft skills in action at our holiday club, confidence, teamwork and a little bit of campfire magic in the woods #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #Bushcraft #OutdoorLearning
There’s nothing quite like the moment a spark becomes a flame! At our Bushcraft Holiday Club, the children have been learning how to safely build and light the campfire. Activities like this really help develop confidence, teamwork and a real sense of achievement along the way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #Bushcraft #OutdoorLearning
With the excitement of the @themasters in the air, the young golfers on our Easter holiday golf camp have been stepping onto our course with plenty of enthusiasm of their own. The fantastic team from @liphookgc is delivering this fun and engaging course for children from beginner to intermediate level with activities tailored to each child’s individual ability and learning style. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #golf
With the excitement of the Masters Tournament in the air, there’s been no shortage of enthusiasm from the young golfers enjoying our Easter holiday camp. Delivered by the fantastic team from Liphook Golf Club, the course provides a fun and engaging experience for children from beginner to intermediate level and it’s wonderful to see their confidence grow as they prefect their swings. Who knows, we may have a future Masters champion in our midst! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #golf
Our Easter Multi-Activities Holiday Club at Highfield and Brookham is all about moments like these, sunshine and fresh air, friendships and imagination and the time and space to play and learn. With every day bringing a new adventure, from woodland explorations to creative crafts, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re thinking ahead to May half term, do head to our website to book here ➡️ https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/holiday-clubs/
Every day is packed full on our Easter Multi-Activities Holiday Club whether that is a high-energy adventure like our zip wire to creative activities, team games or outdoor exploration. Led by our fantastic in-house team, it’s the perfect place for children to build confidence, try new things and most importantly, have a lot of fun. No two days are the same, so there really is something for everyone. If you are thinking ahead to May half term, do head to our website to book via the link in our bio. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays
New baby and toddler swim classes! Starting next term, we’re welcoming little swimmers aged 6–24 months. These are gentle, fun sessions with qualified coaches and are perfect for building water confidence at your child’s own pace, whether it’s their first splash or not! Join us for a lovely positive experience for you and your child. And please do share with any friends and family with little ones. Book now ➡️ https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/swim-school/
From sharpening football skills to diving into dodgeball, basketball and more, it’s been fantastic to see the children getting stuck in, trying new sports and building confidence along the way at our Super Sports club this Easter. With expert coaching, brilliant energy and access to our fantastic facilities, every child has the chance to develop their skills, learn new techniques and, most importantly, have fun. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates, we’d love to see them join us! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #sports #SchoolHolidays
From den building and woodland games to nature crafts and balancing on the slack lines, the children have been fully immersed in the magic of the outdoors at our Nature Days holiday club. It’s been fantastic to see the children explore, create and play together in our beautiful woodland setting under the expert eye of the team at Corylus Collective. If your child would like to join us at a future Nature Days Clubs or another one of our fabulous clubs, do keep an eye out for upcoming dates on our website, we’d love to welcome them. Head to➡️https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/holiday-clubs/
Last term our Chapel Choir tour embarked on an exceptional musical journey to Vienna. The trip brought together performance, culture and unforgettable experiences. We’re proud to share reflections from parents on a truly inspiring trip. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #choralmusic #chapelchoir