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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…
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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