Boarding School in England
Welcome to Highfield and Brookham, a prestigious Prep School in England, founded in 1907. The school is set in 175 acres of beautiful countryside on the borders of Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, near London, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, which are only an hour away.
We are really impressed with our son’s development at Highfield and Brookham; his spark and genuine passion for learning is notably higher even after a short period at the school.
Nigerian Parent
Any questions?
At what age can children attend a UK boarding school?
Boarding is open to boys and girls from age 8 to 13 years.
The youngest boarding children of 8 or 9 years stay in our warm and cosy Junior House, which provides a smaller environment similar to a large family home. The older children stay in the Senior House and sleep in brightly decorated dormitories, varying in size from 4 to 8 beds.
What are the advantages of children joining an English boarding school at a younger age?
As Highfield and Brookham finishes at age 13, your child will be one of the older children in the school, which is far less daunting than joining a huge senior school as one of the youngest. Our smaller, ‘family feel’ environment will help your child feel at home and settle quickly, especially if it is their first time away from home.
Boarding at a Prep School allows time for your family to explore the wealth of Senior Schools in the UK, and really benefit from the experience of our Head in advising the best ‘fit’ school for your child. Meanwhile our flawless track record for securing children’s places at their first choice provides great peace of mind.
Will boarding help my child develop Christian values?
Our school mission is to provide a first-rate day and boarding education supported by a strong Christian ethos, in a community where every child is treated equally, respected, happy, fulfilled and secure.
Through a combination of our regular Chapel services, Assemblies, Religious Studies and Personal, Social and Health Education lessons, children are encouraged to consider their own faith, their role within the school community and society at large.
We promote moral values within a Christian ethos which develop a sense of own worth and strong relationships with others, but we also promote education and respect for beliefs and religions different to the child’s own. Children of all faiths are welcome at Highfield and Brookham.
How many other non-British children are in the school?
We have just under 300 prep-school pupils at Highfield and Brookham, 130 of them are boarders, and 35 of our boarders are international students. We have a strict admissions policy to ensure that no overseas nationality is dominant to ensure a good diversity of language and culture.
In terms of African nationalities, we currently have children from Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda in the school.
Where will my child sleep?
Our newly refurbished boarding accommodation is warm and homely, and located on the upper floors of the school building. There are separate sections for boys and girls, and children sleep in dorms with between four to eight beds. The boarding staff also have bedrooms near the dormitories so there is always someone nearby if needed to ensure children feel happy, safe and cared for.
View the gallery to see photos of our accommodation:
A regular laundry service is provided by the Matron, and we have an on site Nurse should a child feel unwell. More information can be found on Pupil Care & Support.
What is the food like at Highfield and Brookham?
Food at our school is very important – just ask the children! We have a fantastic team of enthusiastic chefs who provide the children with a varied choice of delicious and nutritious meals, cooked on the premises. Children enjoy the option of three hot meals, as well as healthy snacks throughout each day. We are also able to cater for a range of special diets.
Watch the video to see some of our international themed days:
Does Highfield and Brookham offer scholarships or bursaries for international students?
Highfield and Brookham does not offer scholarships or bursaries for international students at this time.
We have a long history of supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds around the UK, as well as cases of hardship within our local community. We actively fundraise to enable us to provide significant support and broaden access to the school for children from a variety of backgrounds.
What we’re up to…
We have reaffirmed our commitment to excellence by unveiling a scholarship award for pupils in Year 5. The all-rounder scholarship, which will be available from September 2025, is designed to recognise exceptional children who have a positive attitude to learning and demonstrate phenomenal abilities in and out of the classroom. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Scholarships #EducationalExcellence
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: As we count down to tonight’s opening ceremony of Paris 2024, we fondly remember the excitement of Year 4 staging their very own Olympic Games during the spring term. The children made their own flags, banners and badges before competing in select events under the flag of their chosen countries. Three months on, it’s almost time for the games of the 33rd Olympiad to begin… #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #OlympicGames #Paris2024
Our art room has been transformed into a veritable craft workshop this week. The children on our two-day Crafting With Kate holiday course have produced the most dazzling array of farmyard animals, dolls, insects, wreaths and pictures using different crafting techniques such as rag rugging and needle felting, as well as exploring textures, colours and patterns of different materials and fabrics. If you like what you see, we are running a Creative Crafting course in August. To book a place, simply click the link in our bio! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #HolidayActivities #ArtsAndCrafts #CreativeCrafting
We’re thrilled to be taking part in Heritage Open Days this September with a choice of two events in our wonderful woodlands. Choose an hour-long forest school session, for children (aged 4-6) and their parents, or if you have younger children (from 18 months) come and listen to a family favourite story around the camp fire and embark on a hunt in the woods for the animals from the story. Both events offer the chance to explore our woodlands and connect with nature. Events are completely free but booking is essential ➡️highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/heritage-open-days
Our skilled grounds team are busy laying hybrid matting on our overflow car park. The matting is environmentally and wildlife friendly as it allows the grass to grow through sizeable gaps, it alleviates the risk of flooding as opposed to asphalt, and it will increase the capacity of the car park, which is particularly useful during sports fixtures when visitors to come to sample our legendary match teas! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Young gymnasts have today been put through their paces under the expert eye of coach Mrs Ogilvie, having great fun as they honed their techniques. Gymnastics is just one of a wide range of amazing courses we are running during the summer holidays, and there’s still time to get involved. To see what else we have coming up, simply click the link in the bio! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #HolidayActivities #Gymnastics
Our young woodland adventurers have been honing some essential bushcraft and life skills today. Den building, fire lighting, wood sawing, making wooden bowls using embers from a fire and making and cooking tasty bread over the campfire ensured that the children could at the very least get warm, eat and make shelter if they ever found themselves out in the forest. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Bushcraft
Our young innovators at Tech Camp today have been fully immersed in all things tech as they learn new skills and explore the exciting world of technology. The children have had so much fun unleashing their creativity, solving puzzles and discovering the wonders of coding and digital tools. Next Thing Education Camps
We’re thrilled to be taking part in @heritageopendays this September with a choice of two events in our wonderful woodlands. Choose an hour-long forest school session, for children (aged 4-6) and their parents, or if you have younger children (from 18 months) come and listen to a family favourite story around the camp fire and embark on a hunt in the woods for the animals from the story. Both events offer the chance to explore our woodlands and connect with nature. Events are completely free but booking is essential at: https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/heritage-open-days #nursery #preprepschool #prepschool #Liphook #Surrey #Hampshire #westsussex #PrivateSchool #IndependentSchool #BoardingSchool #TogetherWeGrow #heritageopendays2024
We’d be thrilled if you could spare a moment to vote for us in this year’s Tatler Schools Awards. Head to our bio to find the link. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #tatler #tatlerschoolsguide2024 #tatlerschoolsawards2024
The children have had a fantastic time at our tennis club today, learning one of the most essential (and tricky!) skills in tennis – serving. Under the guidance of our Head Tennis Coach, and with enthusiasm and focus, the children worked hard to master their serves, from perfecting their stance to nailing the throw and swing. There’s been plenty of fun and games to help the children learn the techniques and seeing the children persevering and gaining in confidence when they get it right is fabulous. If your child would like to learn or improve their tennis skills, we’ve got two more tennis clubs running in the coming weeks. Find out more bit.ly/3y4Ybfi
We’re excited to invite you to our first Open Morning of the new academic year on 28th September. Come and discover why we’ve been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year. Explore our beautiful school site, meet our dedicated staff and discover first-hand what makes our school a standout choice for your child’s education.. Head to our website (link in bio) to book. #nursery #preprepschool #prepschool #Liphook #Surrey #Hampshire #westsussex #PrivateSchool #IndependentSchool #BoardingSchool #TogetherWeGrow #awards2024 #awards #independentschooloftheyear
We’re accepting applications for our new Year 5 all-rounder scholarship for entry in September 2025. This scholarship is designed to recognise exceptional children who demonstrate a real passion for learning and a thirst for knowledge. If you have a bright, curious and enthusiastic young learner who would be eager to make the most of our enriching educational environment, we encourage you to apply. Find out more ➡️ bit.ly/4aVPBwY
After a busy morning decorating biscuits in the kitchen, our Mini Marvels headed out to make the most of the nursery garden. From digging in the sandpit to running around and playing with friends, every moment has been filled with fun and laughter. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We’re thrilled to announce that Highfield and Brookham has been shortlisted for Prep School of the Year in the Independent School Parent Independent School of the Year Awards. Our focus on blending academic excellence with essential life skills has put us in the spotlight. Equipping our pupils with the tools they need to thrive, both in now and in the future. We’re incredibly proud of our team for this recognition. Fingers crossed for September!
Over, under, jumping, balancing…the children on our Mini Olympics Holiday Club really have been put through their paces today. They have shown amazing enthusiasm and energy, learnt new skills and had enormous fun doing so. It’s been fantastic to see their determination and excitement as they participate in all the various activities. Can’t wait to see them back tomorrow!
Exciting changes are happening! This underutilised area is being transformed over the holidays into a wellbeing garden. The new space will further enhance our pastoral offering, providing an outdoor classroom and a beautiful natural space where children can unwind and relax. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #WellbeingGarden #OutdoorClassroom #NatureSpace #Relaxation #PastoralCare
We are delighted to be featured in the @goodschoolsguide Boarding Schools Guide 2024, the complete guide to the UK’s best boarding schools. Boarding at Highfield and Brookham is ever popular and an integral part of our school community. It is so much more than a place to live, it’s a vibrant, supportive community where children make cherished memories. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #iloveboarding #countrysideboarding #GoodSchoolsGuide
Our adventurous Year 7s had an amazing week in the Scottish Highlands at Ridgway Adventure. They embraced every challenge, learned survival skills and discovered the magic of teamwork. With new friendships and unforgettable memories, they returned with stories of adventure and a newfound confidence.
Our brilliant holiday activity courses have finally got under way and we’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead. Whether you’re into the performing arts, bushcraft, sport, spectacular science, creative crafting or all things tech, we really do have something for everyone. So if you’re looking for an enriching, engaging and downright fun course for your child this summer, simply click the link in our bio and see what we’ve got to offer! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #HolidayActivities
A medal, two new school records and a clutch of personal bests was a brilliant reward for our eight athletes who competed in this year’s National Prep Schools Track & Field Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Warmest congratulations to Phoebe G, Xander A, Tiggy W, Clemmie C, Cristo P, Olivia T, Tiger E and Imi K, we’re very proud of you all for representing the school so brilliantly. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Athletics #NationalChampionships
Are you considering schools? Come along to our Open Morning on 28th September and discover why we have been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year. Head to our website (link in bio) to book. #nursery #preprepschool #prepschool #Liphook #Surrey #Hampshire #westsussex #PrivateSchool #IndependentSchool #BoardingSchool #TogetherWeGrow #awards2024 #awards #independentschooloftheyear
The fabulous outdoor adventures continue for our all-action Year 7 children on their character-building trip to Scotland. Facing their fears and working as a team, the children have reached the twin summits of the mighty peak Arkle and taken to kayaking like the proverbial ducks to water. Wonder what exciting things they’ve got in store next thanks to the brilliant folk at Ridgway Adventure, Ardmore, Highlands of Scotland… #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Adventure