Donate
The Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund was set up to celebrate Highfield’s centenary in 2007. It has been running successfully for more than 12 years thanks to the generosity of current and former parents, alumni and institutional grants. The aim of the fund is to raise enough money to support children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to come to a school like Highfield and Brookham.
In the current climate, access to private education is becoming more and more of a privilege. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we bridge this advantage gap. We know there are many children who would greatly benefit from attending a private school and there is a need to bring this opportunity to as many as possible – to those who might not otherwise consider it an option due to difficult financial or family circumstances.
Our Aim
The purpose of the Centenary Bursaries Fund is to make a real difference in a child’s life, not just academically but also physically, emotionally and socially. The bursaries are awarded to children we believe will gain the most benefit from attending Highfield and Brookham Schools – ensuring they reach their full potential, build life-long skills and develop long-lasting, positive experiences and relationships.
It’s incredibly rare for prep schools to offer 100% bursaries, especially at the rate that we do. We want to lead the way, in good faith, so that other prep schools will follow and allow this amazing opportunity to be given to even more children.
Changing Lives
We have awarded 17 bursaries to date and they have proved to be an enormous success. The Centenary Bursaries Fund also provides additional support for music lessons, sports equipment, school trips and uniform. In some circumstances, it has also funded travel to and from the school for the children and their parents.
Past bursary children have gone on to secure bursaries and scholarships at exceptional senior schools such as Charterhouse, Marlborough College and Seaford College. Nine children are currently still with us and because of our excellent relationships with senior schools and the outstanding support we offer, the hope is our current children will follow in their footsteps.
Selection Process
We have a very thorough selection process to identify children whose circumstances merit this life-changing gift. Throughout the year we build awareness of this opportunity outside of our socio-demographic to ensure relevant candidates are put forward. This involves forging links with relevant schools and their headteachers, charitable organisations, and promoting the opportunity online.
A typical candidate could be a child who is experiencing social or educational difficulties such as bullying, a challenging home life, special educational needs or someone who just needs a break, or children who have the ability to succeed academically if given the right support. We also have gifted children being put forward, where Highfield and Brookham can offer them a higher level of individual attention and can access our well-developed programme for the most talented children.
Make A Donation
The bursaries are funded on a 50-50 basis by the fund and the school. The school’s share is covered by ancillary income streams such as property rentals, Summer School and Swim School. Parents do not subsidise the bursaries through their fees.
We have an extremely robust fundraising plan which involves a combination of donations, fundraising events, investments and grants. Our donors are a mix of former pupils, grandparents, former parents, current parents, institutes and former staff. The Centenary Bursaries Fund is a registered charity, so Gift Aid increases donations to the fund from UK income tax payers by 25%. Donors just need to complete the Gift Aid form when making their donation.
We have partnered with Amazon Smile and Easy Fundraising to make it even easier to support the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund. Both of these schemes turn your everyday online shopping into a free donation at no extra cost to you. If our aims resonate with you, just follow the simple steps to support this great cause every time you shop online.
Charity Information
The Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund is a trust that was set up as a separate legal entity in 2007 with its own trust deed and trustees. It was granted charitable Status by the Charity Commissioners in 2007. (Registered Charity No. 1114845)
The Trustees
- Jonathan Carey – former Highfield parent and grandson of Canon Mills, Highfield’s founder
- Peter Greenwood – Old Highfieldian and former Highfield parent
- Nick Denton – a parent of three Old Highfieldians
- Simon Mason – former Highfield member of staff
- Katie Naylor – former Highfield parent
What we’re up to…
Year 3 are exploring the modern Spanish-speaking countries that evolved from the Mayan civilisation. Using Chromebooks, they’ve been researching temples, artifacts, capitals, populations food and currencies. Along the way, they’re using key skills like problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and communication. Next, they’ll turn all this fascinating research into their own fact files. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year3
Year 3 are researching modern Spanish-speaking countries that evolved from the Mayan civilisation using Chromebooks. They’ve been discovering temples, artifacts, places to visit and key information such as capital cities, populations and currencies. Through this hands-on project, the children are developing skills such as research, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and communication. Next, they will use all their findings to create their own detailed fact files, combining knowledge and creativity in a fun, engaging way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year3
Our Early Years children celebrated Lunar New Year by making a tasty stir fry together. This hands-on activity helped them explore the wider world while practising teamwork, listening and problem-solving. Everyone loved tasting their creation! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #LunarNewYear2026
Our Early Years children had a wonderful morning together exploring how #lunarnewyear2026 is celebrated. They loved dragon dancing, making beautiful lanterns and trying some delicious Chinese cookery. Learning through fun and celebration, they practised important skills like teamwork, listening, creativity and fine motor coordination. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
A brilliant way to finish the season for our U13 boys as they secured a win against Aldro. Teamwork, smiles and kit that will need the whole summer to recover! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #rugby
What a way to end the rugby season — a big win, even bigger smiles and a lot of mud. A fantastic game against @aldroschool where the boys really showed their teamwork, grit and resilience. We’re so proud of them. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #rugby
We’re incredibly proud to announce that Highfield and Brookham has been named in @talkeducation’s Top 250 Schools in the UK. Talk Education takes into account a broad range of criteria including teaching and learning, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities. To be included in what their experts consider the best of the best is a wonderful achievement. Curious to find out why? Join us at our next Open Morning, head to the link in our bio to book. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
On #nspccnumberday our nursery children have been thinking carefully about the world of numbers. Activities such as today’s pizza toppings support early number confidence, encouraging children to think, problem-solve and explore mathematical ideas in a meaningful, hands-on way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex
In a workshop run by the fantastic Make the Classroom Disappear, our Year 4 pupils explored Egyptian hieroglyphics, showing fantastic teamwork and collaboration as they mastered unfamiliar characters and supported one another throughout the session. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year4
Year 4 enjoyed a fabulous morning exploring Ancient Egypt and discovered that making mud bricks can be very messy work. The children considered why mud bricks worked well as a building material in a country like Egypt and why they wouldn’t survive in our rainy weather! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #year4
Year 7 pupils visited Pre-Prep this morning to share stories with our Year 1s. One Year 1 boy even read a story he had written himself, with his Year 7 friend listening on. Moments like these reflect our values of kindness, confidence and community and give a glimpse of the journey our children make as they grow through the school. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our Year 6 boys benefited from expert coaching with Terry Gilmour, Head of Rugby at @marlboroughcollege. A fantastic masterclass for the boys to enhance their skills, build confidence and teamwork and celebrate the spirit of rugby. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #rugby
Our Year 3 artists have been getting hands-on with clay, creating fantastic fruit and vegetable faces inspired by Arcimboldo. Such creativity, focus and a lot of imagination on display. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Quiet focus, concentration and creativity in Year 3 as pupils were fully absorbed in working with clay, shaping their own Arcimboldo-inspired fruit faces. Working with a material that can be reshaped and reworked encouraged thoughtful problem-solving, as the children learnt that mistakes can be part of the process and they adapted their ideas, made changes and tried again when something didn’t quite work first time. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We were thrilled to see The Wizard of Oz performed recently at @lordwandsworth featuring two of our former pupils, Imogen and Eliza, who moved on to Lord Wandsworth College for senior school. It’s always such a joy to watch Old Highfieldians continuing to shine. Bravo to both girls and the entire cast for a wonderful production. Swipe to see Imogen reunited with her Highfield and Brookham drama teacher after the show. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #drama
Are you considering educational opportunities outside of London? Join us for an evening of discussion at our Annual Drinks Reception on Wednesday 11th March at Beaufort House. This special event is designed for parents with children under 10 who are exploring the advantages of a country school education. Hear from our experts representing six renowned prep and senior schools over drinks in a relaxed atmosphere: Highfield and Brookham School Hanford School Dorset Ludgrove School Downe House School Marlborough College Tonbridge School Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to explore what a country school can offer your family. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Lskanj #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices
Huge congratulations to Jemima who recently won the Petplan Area Festivals Medium Silver at Parwood Equestrian Centre. The whole school community is very proud of your achievement. @british_dressage @parwoodequestrian #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Huge congratulations to Jemima who recently won the Petplan Area Festivals Medium Silver at Parwood Equestrian Centre. The whole school community is very proud of your achievement. @british_dressage @parwoodequestrian #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Are you a London-based parent thinking ahead about your child’s education? Curious about the benefits of educating outside London? Join us for an informal drinks reception on Wednesday 11th March at @beauforthousechelsea, exploring countryside school options beyond the capital. Our Head, Suzannah Cryer, will be joined by senior representatives from @hanfordprepschool @ludgrove_school @downe_house @marlboroughcollege @tonbridge.school for an open discussion designed to help families make confident, informed choices. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask the experts. 👉 Book via the link in our bio. #EducatingOutsideLondon #CountrySchoolBenefits #ChildrensEducation #LondonKids #londonmums #LondonDads #LondonFamily #LondonParenting #LondonParents #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices @talkeducation
Our Romeo and Juliet cast immersed themselves in a Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation workshop, exploring the fundamentals of performance — from projecting their voices and owning the stage to engaging an audience — as they prepare for their forthcoming production at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. It’s wonderful to see their creativity, teamwork and confidence developing and we can’t wait for the finished performance. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex Anvil Arts
Painted nails, crazy hair, make up, trainers, hats, own clothes, temporary tattoos, jewellery, breaktime flashmobs. Whatever’s going on? Ah, it’s #breakthrulesday and our fabulous community has raised around £1,500 for Highreach Holidays. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 5 are continuing their Victorian history learning at the Milestones Museum, exploring steam power and the impact it had on transport, industry and everyday life during the 19th century. Seeing a traction engine up close has helped bring this important period of history to life. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Bringing their history learning to life, Year 5 stepped into a Victorian classroom at @milestonesmuseum and experienced just how strict Victorian classroom life was. “Be seen and not heard. Only speak when spoken to. Hands behind backs” Thankfully our own Break the Rules Day is just around the corner! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Deep in concentration and powered by imagination. Our after-school #Lego club is where focus, imagination and perseverance are built after the school day ends. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #NationalLEGOday2026
