Highfield and Brookham School’s “Raising the Future” conference (28th April) has emerged as a significant moment in the UK education debate, bringing together leaders from across the state and independent sectors, industry and policy to shape practical responses to forthcoming curriculum reform. 

The event was expertly hosted by Lawrence Deju-Wiseman, Professor-in-the-Field at the University of Connecticut, with an exceptional line-up of speakers, including; Sarah Clarke (COO, Media & Entertainment, ITV plc), Darren Coxon (Co-Founder, Kompass Education), Suzannah Cryer (Head, Highfield and Brookham School), Will Goldsmith (Head, Bedales School), Evelyn Haywood (Director of Education, Skills Builder Partnership), and Hannah Oertel (Founder, Delay Smartphones).  

Timed ahead of the Government’s planned 2028 changes, the conference moved beyond theory to focus on solutions – highlighting the urgent need to embed essential skills in the national curriculum, rethink GCSE assessment, harness AI effectively and responsibly in learning, respond to evolving employer expectations, and address the impact of social media on young people. 

A key highlight was the contribution of former Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan (2022–2024). Her presence brought a vital national policy perspective, helping to bridge the gap between frontline education and government decision-making, and reinforcing the credibility and influence of the discussions as they move towards formal recommendations. 

The strength of the event lay in its collaborative approach – pairing expert insight with interactive Q&A to unlock honest, cross-sector dialogue. Delegates described the experience as both energising and transformative. One attendee noted: 
“It was such a fantastic conference, engaging and inspiring. What I loved was how the conference has helped me reframe my thinking around the direction of educational innovation and change in a way that is deeply affirming of the ‘human’ aspect that is the magic of schools and teaching.” 

Another commented: 

“Every speaker was excellent, covering a wide range of relevant and thought-provoking topics with wit and wisdom, and plenty of food for thought. On the car journey home, I found myself revising our Year 9 curriculum in my head.” 

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield and Brookham School, said: 
“This was about more than conversation – it was about creating momentum for change. The willingness to share knowledge, challenge thinking and collaborate openly was incredibly powerful. We are determined to ensure the insights gained translate into meaningful action.” 

The conference will now lead directly into the development of a White Paper, capturing key findings and recommendations to be submitted to Bridget Phillipson the Secretary of State for Education, ensuring the collective voice of educators, employers and policymakers helps inform national reform. 

In addition, delegates will be invited to participate in future roundtable discussions, ensuring that the ideas generated continue to evolve into actionable strategies, and are shared. 

“Raising the Future” has demonstrated the power of shared thinking and collaboration in driving progress – setting a clear direction for education that is more responsive, future-focused and rooted in the realities facing today’s children. 

Vivienne Liddell, Deputy Head at Highfield and Brookham School and a long-time supporter of the school’s Highreach programme, has completed her first-ever London Marathon, crossing the finish line and joining the coveted 1% of people who can say they have run 26.2 miles through the capital.

Vivienne stepped well outside her comfort zone to take on the iconic route past some of London’s most famous landmarks, all in aid of a programme that makes a profound difference to children and families.

Reflecting on her achievement, Vivienne said, “Never in a million years did I believe that I would be in the marathon 1% club but with my toenails still intact and blister free, I did it! A huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously, we have raised more money than I thought possible and that certainly kept me going out on mile 20!”

Setting out hoping to raise £4,000, Vivienne has already smashed that target, raising an incredible £6,676 with donations still coming in.

Highreach offers something truly special: a week of independence, joy and adventure for children with additional needs, alongside much-needed respite for their parents and carers.

The programme grew from Vivienne’s belief that Highfield and Brookham’s exceptional grounds and facilities could be used to create something extraordinary during the summer holidays, an idea sparked by a visit to Hollywater School, which helped bring the vision to life.

Reflecting on Highreach’s earliest days, Vivienne recalls the emotional impact of the very first week, “Seeing parents collect their children, many of whom had been terrified to leave them, was incredibly moving. They trusted us to not only care for their children but give them an unforgettable experience. There were lots of tears.”

Now in its eighth year, Highreach costs approximately £25,000 per week to run, a figure that has risen significantly in recent years due to the cost of living. Without ongoing fundraising and donations, the programme simply could not continue.

“We rely entirely on the generosity of our Highfield and Brookham community and supporters,” says Vivienne. “The children here love fundraising and understand exactly what their efforts support, which makes it even more meaningful.”

When Highreach secured a coveted place in the London Marathon, Vivienne didn’t hesitate to put herself forward.

“I felt strongly that the most money would be raised by someone within the school community who isn’t a runner and would find it a real challenge,” she explains. “So I volunteered and the Highreach children chose me.”

Donations are still being accepted, and every pound raised will go directly towards making Highreach possible and continuing its life-changing impact. Whether you are a former pupil, parent or simply wish to support an exceptional cause, any donation, big or small, will make a real difference.

To support Vivienne’s fundraising, visit: justgiving.com/page/vivienne-liddell

Highfield and Brookham has been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year in this year’s Tes Schools Awards, which celebrate the UK’s most inspiring teachers and schools from both the state and independent sectors, following a record-breaking number of nominations.

Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, commented: “This year’s shortlist showcases the exceptional standard of entries across the Tes Schools Awards, reflecting the breadth of impact being delivered in UK education. Each category highlights schools and individuals who are not only driving meaningful change within their own settings, but also setting a benchmark for the wider sector. The Tes Schools Awards are designed to recognise and elevate this work, celebrating those making a measurable difference to pupils, staff and communities across the UK – and with a record number of nominations received this year, it clearly reinforces the strength and impact being delivered across the UK education sector.”

The Hampshire co-educational prep school, which serves children from Nursery through Year 8, was recognised for its whole-school curriculum transformation built on the belief that academic excellence and essential life skills are most powerful when deliberately and structurally linked.

At the heart of the school’s approach is the Essential Skills Framework, which develops eight core skills, including leadership, problem-solving, creativity and resilience, through carefully scaffolded steps running through every lesson, subject and co-curricular activity. Sitting alongside this is the Highfield Keys Diploma, a skills passport that pupils build themselves from Nursery to Year 8 and use to support senior school applications and interviews.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of expert judges, including experienced school leaders and education specialists.

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield and Brookham, said: “The Tes Schools Awards are one of the most prestigious celebrations of excellence in education, and to be shortlisted is something we are all enormously proud of. This recognition reflects our whole-school commitment to a curriculum where skills and knowledge are taught together, embedded in every part of school life. A heartfelt thank you to our whole school community for making this possible.”

Since 2009, the Tes Schools Awards have celebrated the achievements of school staff and institutions across the UK. They bring together state and independent schools from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in one inclusive national event. This year’s awards feature 23 categories and are supported by Cloud Technology Partner Amazon Web Services.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 19th June at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, hosted by award-winning comedian and presenter Katherine Ryan.

View the full shortlist at www.tes.com/schools-awards/uk

Work on our progressive curriculum which blends the stepping stones for academic achievement with the development of essential life skills has put Highfield and Brookham in the running for a prestigious national award.

We have been shortlisted in the ‘Prep School of the Year’ category of this year’s Independent School of the Year Awards.

It follows the implementation last September of the Skills Builder Accelerator Programme, which offers a structured approach to teaching and assessing essential skills such as teamwork, creativity, problem solving and leadership, and ensures that our children are equipped with skills that will serve them well throughout education and beyond.

Using the Skills Builder framework, we introduced a ‘Keys Diploma’, which is a unique opportunity for children from Year 3 to Year 8 to receive recognition for the abilities not measured by exams. Instead, merits and distinctions are awarded based on engagement and commitment across the eight skills in all areas of school life – academia, sport, the arts and enrichment.

Suzannah Cryer, Highfield and Brookham Head, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have been shortlisted for Prep School of the Year. As a school which has a strong record of feeding some of the very best senior schools in the country, we are always looking at ways to stay at the forefront of education.

“We also actively seek feedback from our parent body on a regular basis and a survey this year revealed a strong desire for an increased focus on skills to ensure that our children develop competencies that remain valuable in an ever-evolving world.

“As a result, we are one of very few schools to achieve the Skills Builder Silver Award in their inaugural year of implementing the programme. We are now actively pursuing the Gold Award, thus demonstrating our dedication to continuous improvement.”

The Independent School of the Year Awards are run by Independent School Parent magazine and the finalists will be unveiled in early September.

Highfield and Brookham was recently named a finalist in the annual Education Business Awards for its environmental work and has been named a finalist in the ‘Pastoral Development of the Year’ category in the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education for its Beehive wellbeing project.

Highfield and Brookham School is excited to announce its inaugural Giving Day, a two-day fundraising extravaganza taking place on Friday 28th June and Saturday 29th June 2024. This exciting event aims to raise vital funds for the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund, ensuring deserving children have the opportunity to experience a Highfield and Brookham education.

The Giving Day promises to be a fun-filled event for the entire school community. Every child, from Nursery to Year 8, will be actively involved in age-appropriate sponsorship challenges and fundraising initiatives.

The little bakers in Nursery will be whipping up delicious treats for a delightful bake sale. Our youngest athletes in Reception get ready to participate in a sponsored walk. Year 1 will nurture a love for plants with a plant sale and put their agility to the test in an obstacle race. Year 2 will embrace a simpler life with an ‘off-grid’ day, learning valuable lessons about sustainability. Year 3 will be holding a read-a-thon, celebrating the joy of reading. Year 4 will embark on a sponsored colour run, virtually conquering the distance to Paris. Year 5 will put their football skills to the test in a sponsored football challenge. Make a splash! Year 6 will make a splash as they participate in a sponsored swim challenge. Keeping with the water theme, Year 7 will run a car wash and also support Year 8 in their 24-hour row.

To add some extra excitement and motivate the fundraising efforts, for every £5,000 raised, a member of the senior leadership team will face a daring forfeit. Mr Figgis, Head of Upper Prep, has bravely pledged to allow a pupil to shave his head.  We can only wait and see if the children can reach their ambitious target.

There will also be the opportunity to bid on exciting promises donated by Highfield and Brookham staff in a special raffle. From bagpipe lessons and scuba diving adventures to a coveted lunch in the Head’s office, there’s something for everyone.

Parents can also enjoy a day of friendly competition at the Family Golf Day, generously sponsored by Knight Frank. They can also choose to relax and recharge with a selection of wellness classes thoughtfully offered by Silver Linings Wellbeing. All the fun will culminate at the outdoor rock concert, Highfest, on Saturday afternoon with a bar generously sponsored by Ranger Home Care.

All funds raised during the Giving Day will directly benefit the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund.  These bursaries provide transformative educational opportunities for talented and deserving children who might not otherwise be able to afford a private education.

Join us on the 28th and 29th of June for a fun-filled and impactful Giving Day. Together, we can change lives.

Highfield and Brookham School, known for its nurturing and academically rigorous environment, today announced its membership in the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE). This partnership reaffirms the school’s commitment to fostering excellence and potential in every child.

NACE, a leading UK organisation, empowers educators to tailor learning experiences for high-achieving students. Recognising the crucial role of setting high expectations and fostering a growth mindset across the board. Highfield and Brookham aligns perfectly with NACE’s values.

“Joining NACE reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing every child’s potential,” says Suzannah Cryer, Head at Highfield and Brookham School. “Their expertise perfectly complement our existing pedagogy, which emphasises high-quality, challenging teaching for all.”

Highfield and Brookham emphasises a “rich education based on experience and robust research delivered by passionate teachers,” ensuring an intellectually stimulating environment for all children. The school believes in meticulously crafting and implementing a curriculum that intrinsically accommodates diverse learning needs. This approach fosters high expectations and enriches the educational experience for every child.

“NACE membership opens doors to valuable resources, collaboration opportunities, and professional development for our dedicated educators,” Mrs. Cryer adds. “This strengthens our ability to provide an outstanding education that empowers each child to flourish.”

By joining NACE, Highfield and Brookham School demonstrates its ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. This partnership further solidifies the school’s position as a champion for personalised learning and fostering the full potential of every child.

Highfield and Brookham has been long recognised for its broad and rigorous curriculum and for sending children on to the top senior schools in the country.

Our pupil leadership team has been unveiled for the new academic year.

Genny Hogg and Jamie Wakeley have been named Head Girl and Head Boy respectively, with Honor Elvins and Theo Dunfield-Prayero acting as their deputies.

Highfield and Brookham School takes the appointment of its pupil leadership team very seriously and, as such, the new incumbents had to come through a thorough selection process.

All pupils are actively encouraged to apply for the prestigious roles and those that decide to apply must submit a formal letter of application to Highfield and Brookham Head Suzannah Cryer explaining why they should be considered for the position.

Aided by her highly-respected senior leadership team, Mrs Cryer reviews each application, draws up a shortlist before interviewing the pupils. The entire staff team at Highfield and Brookham are also invited to share their support and thoughts on the candidates before a final decision is made, where one boy and one girl from the oldest year group in the school are selected for the coveted leadership roles, as well as their deputies.

Mrs Cryer said: “It is one of my most difficult jobs of the school year. Deciding which children should fill these important leadership roles is such an honour but also a huge responsibility. The process is testimony to the children’s desire to aim high and their wish to be the very best they can be.

“The quality of all of the applications shows that Highfield and Brookham is in very good hands indeed.”

As well as appointing the Head Girl and Head Boy, the school also named its Heads of Boarding, Heads of House and Senior Prefects.

The purpose of the pupil leadership team is to be role models for the school, to ensure that pupils’ voices are heard and to represent the school at events such as prizegiving and open mornings.

The full pupil leadership team is:

Heads of School: Genny Hogg and Jamie Wakeley

Deputy Heads of School: Honor Elvins and Theo Dunfield-Prayero

Heads of Boarding: Sasha Samsin and Imi Wright

Deputy Heads of Boarding: Gabriel Church and Samantha Manning

Heads of House: Albie Black, Ines Borwick, Dougie Hogg, Daisy Wren, Coco Bendon and Hugo Mendes

Deputy Heads of House: Imogen Knight, Ian Linnell, Jemima Goldsmith, Rory Lett, Iris Greenslade and Barnabas Lloyd

Senior Prefects: Daisy Apps, Henry Fisher, Shona O’Neill, Amelie Davies, Lydia Warr, Amelie Kitchen, Theo Kauntze, Charlotte Law, Rafe Jenkins, Polina Dolhykh and Sandy Game

The continuing commitment to the wellbeing of our children has been recognised for a second time this year by a national school award.

Highfield and Brookham Schools have been shortlisted in the ‘Student Wellbeing’ category of the Independent School of the Year Awards. These awards are run by Independent School Parent magazine and finalists will be unveiled in early September.

“The value of nurturing good mental health is a fundamental part of school life at Highfield and Brookham,” said Head, Suzannah Cryer.

“Our excellent pastoral care has been highlighted in our November 2022 Independent Schools Inspectorate report which deemed the school “excellent” in all areas.”

During this past academic year, the schools have created space in the children’s busy days to allow time dedicated to their mental health – in the form of ‘Weekly Wellbeing Workshops’.

Across Nursery, Pre-prep and Prep there is a full programme of activities such as ‘Journaling and Scrapbooking’, ‘Cards and Board Games’ and ‘Lego and Chill’. ‘Be With the Boys’ and ‘Go With the Girls’ are run by our Peer Listeners – a group of trained and compassionate Year 8 children who offer younger children a friendly face or a kindly listening ear.

Highfield and Brookham being shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards comes hot on the heels of the school being named a finalist in the ‘Raising Awareness About Pastoral Care’ category of this year’s National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education.

Mrs Cryer said: “We could not be prouder to be acknowledged by two such prestigious awards for our work on pastoral care. Our key objective for pastoral care centres on the emotional and physical welfare of our children and for this to be recognised national is truly amazing.”

Highfield and Brookham Schools has been named a finalist in the Environmental Practice category of this year’s national Education Business Awards.

We are one of five schools with big plans and strong green credentials to be shortlisted. We are no stranger to environmental initiatives and has long championed a greener and more eco-friendly way of life, we aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Highfield and Brookham has an enviable reputation concerning renewable energy and our carbon neutral woodchip-burning biomass boiler provides 85% of the energy required to heat the school and our indoor swimming pool. The wood itself comes from the school’s vast estate, primarily through chestnut coppicing as chestnut is a naturally self-replenishing variety of tree which requires little or no replanting.

Other ongoing initiatives include a big drive on renewable energy in the form of solar panels on the roofs of on-site cottages and the pool, replacing paper towels in the toilet blocks with low-energy hand driers, creating wildlife habitats, a regular tree-planting programme, recycling, and tending our own vegetable plots.

The Environmental Practice Award recognises the school that goes above and beyond when it comes to minimising its impact on the environment, as well as providing quality environmental education to its pupils.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 14^th June.

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work that we do as a school in order to help protect the environment and the planet for future generations, so to have that work recognised is a wonderful feeling and hopefully shows that we are moving in the right direction.”