Together we thrive

Boarding

Boarding at Highfield and Brookham is extremely popular but also completely optional. Our boarding provision has always been an integral part of the prep school and perhaps the continued popularity reflects how well we do it. Our flexible contemporary boarding provision means that if you are considering boarding for your child we are sure we can offer something that suits them. We offer everything from two nights per week to the ever-popular full boarding experience.

One of our many strengths is our diverse national and international community. We have always enjoyed a strong association with Armed Forces families and we are honoured to have been welcoming children from overseas for more than decade. Throughout our history we have been able provide outstanding pastoral care and the full boarding experience for children whose families may be abroad. The thriving boarding community means that no child will ever feel alone if their parents are out of the country. They are part of a large extended family who care for and support them every step of the way.

Evenings

As the school day draws to a close at 4.40pm the boarding evening is just beginning. The evenings should feel like your child’s own time – this is extremely important to us, and them. Until 5.30pm your child will be able to choose what do. They are able to join other boarders and day children in one of our inspiring clubs or some days they may choose to enjoy the simple luxury of changing into their home clothes and sitting out on Chapel field and casually chatting with a group of friends.

After activities the bell is rung and prep starts promptly at 5.30pm. This time is supervised by an academic member of staff to support your child and help them to complete work effectively. As children get closer to end-of-term exams, time will be allotted for revision sessions in the evening and staff will be on hand to help your child prepare for upcoming assessments and tests across all subjects.

At the end of prep time the children enjoy supper together in the main dining hall. But the evening doesn’t stop there. After their meal, the boarders are provided with a list of evening activities on offer. They can choose to relax with a film, enjoy a friendly game of table football or dance the night away at a disco. We also help keep our boarders informed of current affairs by providing age-appropriate newspapers in our three common rooms.

Bedtimes are staggered depending on year groups. For our youngest children, bedtime is 8.00pm, and up to 8.40pm for our senior boarders. This is followed by quiet time with some reading or listening to a story before lights out.

Throughout the year boarders are thrilled by our ‘showstopper’ evenings. These include highly-anticipated activities such as the colour run, slip ‘n’ slide and the inter-dorm dance competition. These events are extremely popular and often see children who might not normally stay that particular evening booking an extra night so they don’t miss out.

If your child chooses to learn a musical instrument time will be allocated in the evening to head over to our Music School to practise.

Weekends

Day and boarding Prep school children attend school on Saturday. Saturday’s schedule consists of a morning of academic extension lessons followed by sports fixtures in the afternoon.

Weekends are cherished time for our full boarders. There is a more leisurely pace and children get to enjoy more of their favourite part of boarding – being with their friends. Saturday evenings are immense fun. After some down time and supper, Saturdays often involve relaxing with a film and enjoying a cheeky treat of popcorn or milkshakes.

Sundays offer a gentle start to the day with a ‘pyjama breakfast’ at 9am. Each weekend there is a either an on-site activity such as zorbing, a scavenger hunt or circus skills or off-site activities such as bowling in Guildford, visiting the cinema in Portsmouth or ice-skating in Winchester. Our Secret Santa at the end of the autumn term is always extremely popular and often sees our weekly boarders staying for the weekend.

We have exeat weekends throughout the year. We have four in the autumn term, two before and two after half term. The spring term follows the same pattern but there is only one exeat weekend after half term in the summer term.

Exeat weekends are obligatory. The school closes for the weekend and is open again on Sunday evening for our full boarders to return. Exeats are treasured by children and their families. Our international children head out to their guardians’ houses to enjoy some time away from school. Boarders who have parents overseas are often invited to stay with friends, which is a lovely option in addition to seeing their guardian.

The approach to boarding is excellent and there’s a great balance of freedom and guidance.

Food

One thing is for sure – your child will not go hungry. The day kicks off with a filling breakfast buffet. Your child has a plethora of choices to suit their mood. There is always a hot option such as beans on toast, potato waffles or porridge, as well as a full counter of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals and pastries.

Morning break is at 10.30am. To provide your child with a slow release of energy to keep them focused until lunch they will have a carbohydrate-based snack. Lunch break is at 12.45pm until 1.45pm. The time your child will be called for lunch rotates throughout the week, so sometimes they will eat first and then enjoy the fresh air and sometimes the other way around. To maintain your child’s energy levels throughout the day they are offered a snack during afternoon break at 3.15pm.

Supper is served from 6.15pm and offers your child the comfort of a delicious homecooked meal after a busy day. Children and boarding staff all sit down together and often the Nurse joins too. All meal times offer a selection of hot and cold dishes, as well as options for children with a range of dietary requirements. We use locally grown and environmentally sustainable food. We are committed to making as much use as appropriate of organic, natural food products and Fairtrade produce and to eliminate genetically-modified food and potentially harmful food additives in all of your child’s food.

And in case that’s not enough – toast and milk is available to your child in the dining hall every evening before bed to ensure they don’t go to sleep with a rumbling tummy.

Pupil Care

We acknowledge that every child will have been brought up with different routines that are unique to them and their family. We have built a community here where differences are not only tolerated but also celebrated and respected. To help your child settle and follow the boarding routine they will be allocated a ‘boarding buddy’ to show them the ropes. They will introduce them to the boarding team, including the nurses, and explain to them the most important aspect of boarding life – that there is always someone to talk to. Your child is encouraged to speak to any member of staff they want to. We will make sure they know that all adults are prepared to listen and want to help in any given situation.

We have very thorough lines of communication to ensure we know about any matters that might be affecting your child. Our staff meet weekly to discuss every child in the boarding houses, which ensures your child is acknowledged, known and valued by all staff members. The Director of Boarding is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead and sits on the School Pastoral Care Committee which meets weekly with our Head, Mrs Cryer, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Heads of Year.

We pride ourselves on keeping as many lines of communication open as possible, so please speak to us whenever you feel you need to.

Boarding Options

Boarding can start for children from Year 3. We have options from just one night per week to the traditional full boarding option, available from Year 4. Our boarding provision aims to be flexible to suit modern family life. Our current contemporary boarding provision has been adapted to reflect current demand from families.

Our boarding numbers grow throughout the year, with summer term always the most popular. Typically, we start September with about 100 boarders and this grows to nearly 150 by the end of the academic year.

We offer trial nights for children who want to give boarding a go before they commit to regular boarding. Your child is entitled to book up to three trial nights a year to join their peers for an exciting sleepover at school!

Full Boarding
Weekly Boarding
Flexi Boarding
Additional Boarding

Full boarding is the complete package offered to children in Year 4 to Year 8. It allows your child to experience the whole week, including weekends. Roughly a quarter of our boarders board full time, including international children, Forces children and local children who want to experience full boarding before senior school. Weekends are treasured by our boarders as they enjoy more of their favourite part of boarding – being with their friends.

Sundays offer a relaxed start with a ‘pyjama breakfast’ at 9am. Each weekend there is a either an on-site or off-site activity such as bowling in Guildford, going to the cinema in Portsmouth or fairground rides at Hollycombe. Our weekly boarders always have the option to book additional nights to join our full boarders for the most popular weekend activities – ice skating in Winchester being one of them.

Weekly boarding is available from Year 3 to Year 8. Approximately half of our boarders choose this option. As a weekly boarder your child will arrive at school on Monday morning and return home on Saturday, allowing them to experience the joys of being part of our thriving boarding family.

If your child doesn’t have school on a Saturday they are collected at 9am, if they do have Saturday School they will be collected at the end of the school day. We also value seeing our families at Sunday Chapel, which has been an important part of boarding for many years. We would love to invite your child to stay after Sunday Chapel and there will be no extra charge.

Flexi-boarding offers choice and flexibility. A minimum of one night a week is available for children in Year 3 to Year 5. A minimum of two nights per week for children in Year 6 and 7. And a minimum of three nights per week for children in Year 8. Flexi boarding allows children to continue to participate in commitments outside of school while still reaping all the benefits associated with boarding.

Families will be able to choose termly which set nights they would like their child to stay. Having set nights allows children to settle into their own unique routine and helps them relax into the joys of boarding.

Additional boarding gives children who aren’t full boarders the option to book extra nights in our Boarding House on a more flexible basis. As we do not ‘hot bed’, your child’s bed is always available to them on other nights when they need it, or simply when they want to stay for that extra special weekend activity. We all know how popular the Winchester Christmas Market is!

Boarding House

Our Boarding House is home to up to 130 children from Year 3 to Year 8, alongside our Head of Boys’ Boarding, Head of Girls’ Boarding, and a team of enthusiastic graduate assistants. Our Director of Boarding lives just a short distance away from the Boarding House.

There are 22 dorms across two floors, ranging in size from four to ten beds. The house is divided into a girls’ end (12 dorms) and a boys’ end (10 dorms), each with its own common room and multiple bathrooms. Our junior boarding corridors provide dedicated dorms and bathrooms, ensuring that our youngest boarders are close to key staff, including matrons, nurses, and graduate assistants.

At the heart of the Boarding House is the Matron’s workroom. Our exceptional matrons are central to the smooth running of boarding life, ensuring children are well cared for and, crucially, have the correct item of uniform at the right time. The Matron’s workroom also features a large table, perfect for a game of table tennis after a busy day of lessons.

Dorm Structure

One of the many benefits of boarding is learning to become part of a tight-knit community and forming new relationships with ease. Your child will experience living, working and socialising with a diverse group of children. Understanding how to interact with and relate to people with different characteristics and interests is one of the many benefits boarding has to offer.

Our dorms help facilitate this learning process. Dorms are shuffled every term to help your child build new relationships and improve existing ones. Your child’s feelings are always listened to and valued and dorms are structured carefully so your child will always be sharing with a least one chosen friend.

Our dorms are purposefully decorated in neutral but warm colours allowing your child to bring their personality to them. Your child will be actively encouraged to decorate their beds and pinboards with photos, posters and blankets. Every year there is a fiercely competitive dorm decorating competition showing that room appearance is taken very seriously. Another reason, in addition to the competitive edge, is that decorating their bed and pinboard will give your child a place that is solely theirs, a secure area they can retreat to after a busy day. Your child will feel a sense of pride in their area while learning to respect their dormmates’ space.

Prep School

Admissions

What we’re up to…

18 hours ago

Effective communication is very important especially when you are building a workspace big enough for you, your classmate and your laptops. Reception children demonstrated their strong communication skills by explaining their ideas, giving instructions and listening carefully to understand each other’s new and innovative construction ideas. #confidentcommunicators #IndependentSchool #Surrey #WestSussex #Hampshire #Reception #EssentialSkills

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19 hours ago

Our Nursery children are continually developing their communication skills. They understand that we speak for many different reasons, from sharing information and building relationships to expressing our emotions. There was certainly no doubt about their feelings this morning, as excited chatter and infectious giggles drifted beyond the gates while they lined up for forest school.

4 days ago

We are so looking forward to Raising the Future, our conference exploring how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. We’ve got expert speakers who will be exploring bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve. • Insightful talks • Big ideas for future-ready learning • Meaningful conversations Last few tickets are available, head to the link in our bio. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool

4 days ago

We have some incredibly exciting news to share! We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026. This means the world to us, and it truly belongs to every single person in our community. Our wonderful staff, our brilliant pupils, and our incredibly supportive families have all played a part in making this possible. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We are so proud of everything we have achieved together. Tes for Teachers

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4 days ago

We are beyond proud to share that we have been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026! 🏆✨ This recognition belongs to every single member of our incredible community: our dedicated staff, wonderful pupils, and supportive families. Thank you for making this possible. We couldn’t be more grateful. #TesAwards #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #SchoolOfTheYear #Surrey #WestSussex #Hampshire @tesmagazine @tesforteachers

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4 days ago

This Sunday, our very own Vivienne Liddell Deputy Head (Pastoral) will be lacing up her trainers and taking on the London Marathon for the first time! Vivienne is running in support of our beloved Highreach programme. If you’d like to cheer Vivienne on from the sidelines, or from your sofa, please consider making a donation, however small. Every pound goes directly towards Highreach.

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5 days ago

Our upcoming Art Exhibition promises a beautifully curated collection of artwork from a range of outstanding artists, all in support of the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund. Ticketed Preview Evening: Thursday 7th May, (7.30-9.30pm) Free entry: Friday 8th May (8.00am – 5.00pm) and Saturday 9th May 9.00am-4.00pm) A huge thank you to our event sponsors, Fever Tree, Fettle & Fork and Candover Brook. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #art #artexhibition

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5 days ago

Our upcoming Art Exhibition promises a beautifully curated collection of artwork from a range of outstanding artists, all in support of the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund. Ticketed Preview Evening: Thursday 7th May, (7.30-9.30pm) Free entry: Friday 8th May (8.00am – 5.00pm) and Saturday 9th May 9.00am-4.00pm) A huge thank you to our event sponsors, @fevertreemixers , @fettle_and_fork and @candoverbrook. @georgeablakeyartist @samfairbairnart @vcfletcher @beatrice_james_artist #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #art #artexhibition

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6 days ago

This is what learning looks like at Highfield and Brookham. No desks. No walls. Just the great outdoors and endless opportunities. #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #EarthDay2026 #ReadingInNature #PrimarySchool #ForestSchoolFun #NatureKids #OutdoorKids #LoveOutdoors EarthDay.org

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6 days ago

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6 days ago

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

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6 days ago

🌍 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

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7 days ago

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

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7 days ago

1 weeks ago

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

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1 weeks ago

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1 weeks ago

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

621

1 weeks ago

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.

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2 weeks ago

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

2 weeks ago

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

2 weeks ago

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

2 weeks ago

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

2 weeks ago

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

260

2 weeks ago

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

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Together we thrive

Boarding

Boarding

Evenings

Weekends

Food

Pupil Care

Boarding Options

Boarding House

Dorm Structure

Prep School

Admissions

What we’re up to…

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