Our Pre-Prep
Childhood is a time for fun and discovery through a wealth of learning opportunities. Our Pre-Prep is a special and unique place. Our aim is to give children the best possible start to their educational pathway, where friendships are made, individual academic excellence is achieved and happy memories are created. We are an independent Nursery, Pre-Prep and prep School in Liphook situated in 175 acres of stunning grounds in the South Downs National Park on the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. Children in our Pre-Prep develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills through play-based activities. Every day your child will have to opportunity to apply what they have learnt in the classroom to activities in their shared areas or out in our fabulous 175-acre grounds. These hands-on opportunities give your child’s learning meaning and a grounding in the real world.
Our Pre-Prep children visit forest school several times a week. It provides a stimulating and engaging environment that encourages exploration, creativity and curiosity. Through being outdoors your child will develop an appreciation for the environment. They will learn to understand the significant impact they can have on sustainability for themselves and future generations by learning about environmental issues and taking meaningful actions to reduce their carbon footprint. We are fortunate to have two libraries at school and one is reserved for exclusive use by our Pre-Prep children. It has been carefully curated to instil a love of books and reading in all our children and to help your child to discover the magic that books bring, inspiring them in every topic from expeditions and exercise to Fairtrade and faraway places. Storytime and our robust phonics programme will help your child to develop crucial skills such as communication and comprehension.
Alongside the core curriculum, in the Pre-Prep your child will enjoy weekly swimming lessons in additional to their games and PE lessons. They will develop a positive attitude toward exercise and will grow to understand that a healthy body means a healthy mind, helping your child gain insight on how they learn best. A Pre-Prep education is one to be cherished. It is a time to develop the foundations for a love of learning where challenges are seen as positive experiences and every activity is approached with a smile, laughter and a can-do attitude.
Seeing the pre-prep children jump into wellies and waterproof trousers in record time and charge out to break was fabulous.
What we’re up to…
Year 5 use their creativity and problem-solving skills as they compose in verse-chorus form using GarageBand. Instead of relying on pre-made loops, they’re putting their newly learned musical knowledge of primary and secondary chords into practice – creating original songs that are entirely their own. #TogetherWeCreate #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #IndependentSchool #CoEdSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #EssentialSkills
With a summer concert, HighFest, an informal concert at the Pre-Prep and cushion concerts still to come, it promises to be a busy end to a successful and fulfilling school year for our dedicated music teachers and their tuneful young charges. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWePerform #MusicConcerts #PerformingArts #IndependentSchoolsInHampshire #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our girls were in fine form today as they welcomed their fellow cricketers from Edgeborough School for a series of fabulous matches played in fantastic spirit. While they have clearly progressed and shown improved technique with bat and ball week by week, what was most evident (and so pleasing) was just how much the idea of playing as a team means to the girls, who gave their all and were wholly supportive of each other throughout. Well done, girls, long may it continue! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWePlay #TogetherWeSupport #PrepSchoolSport #GrassrootsCricket #CountryBoardingSchoolsInHampshire #Liphook #Hampshire #WestSussex #Surrey
This year’s Tatler Schools Awards voting form is now live. We would be truly grateful for your support, simply head to the bio above to find the link. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Tatler #TatlerSchoolsGuide2025 #TatlerSchoolsAwards2025
The sun and the rain has sparked some wonderful growth to add another level of calmness and serenity to our dedicated wellbeing garden. The revamped space on the site of the old pond next to the prep school science labs is the latest addition to our pastoral portfolio and offers a tranquil retreat where children are encouraged to relax, chat and connect with one another during breaktimes. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeRecharge #TogetherWeCare #PastoralProvision #WellbeingGarden #Nursery #PrePrepSchool #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool
School trips are an invaluable part of a child’s learning journey, fostering independence, confidence and resilience as they provide real-world learning experiences outside the classroom. Our Year 6 children are this week in Suffolk, engaging in fieldwork to embellish their theoretical knowledge with practical application at the National Trust site of Flatford Mill. It follows hot on the heels of our scholars touching down in Fontanellato, where the children took to the Freedom Trail to follow in the footsteps of former Highfield and Brookham headmaster Peter Mills, who escaped from a German prisoner of war camp in northern Italy in 1943. The Year 8 children also took in a tour of the 12th Century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a trip to a cheese factory where the world-famous Parmigiano Reggiano is produced, as well as spending time with their Italian peers and catching up with old friends at Comprensivo di Fontanellato e Fontevivo, who send two pupils to Liphook for six weeks each year. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #SchoolTrips #IndependentSchoolsInHampshire #BoardingSchoolsInHampshire
Our upper prep children have safely negotiated the first day of a busy week of exams. With four more days to go, we know the conscientious girls and boys have prepared well and can achieve anything that they set their minds too. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #ExamSeason #CountryBoardingSchoolsInHampshire #IndependentSchool #Liphook #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook
Children at Highfield and Brookham are not only being primed for academic success, they are being equipped with the essential skills needed to thrive in life beyond the classroom. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #TogetherWeThrive #IndependentSchoolsInHampshire #CountrySchoolsInHampshire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #Liphook
The children on our Junior Cookery course whipped up a delicious Mexican feast today, guided by the brilliant cook Sophie Neish! They made Mexican corn salad with spicy beef mince, soft tortillas and finished with a tasty lemon drizzle cake. Along the way, they picked up valuable skills – cooking boosts maths and literacy, builds confidence and, most of all, it’s great fun! No wonder it’s such a popular holiday club. #HolidayClubs #LifeSkills #TogetherWeAchieve #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The value of music in schools is immense, and it’s rightly been in the spotlight recently. At Highfield and Brookham, we see music as a vital part of school life. It builds confidence, creativity, focus, teamwork, and supports academic success. From rhythm games to choirs, ensembles and instrumental tasters, every child is included and inspired. Music helps children feel seen, heard, and empowered. Read more in our latest blog: bit.ly/45jDmv1. #MusicMatters #TogetherWeThrive #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our new library furniture has arrived! We’ve created a warm, cosy and inviting environment where children can curl up with a good book, encouraging them to pause, relax, and immerse themselves in reading. According to the @booktrust, reading not only supports academic development, but boosts mental wellbeing, speech and social skills, imagination, empathy and creativity. #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #IndependentSchool #CoEdSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Today’s Multi-Activities club got off to a wild start in the woods with den building, swinging on ropes, mud pies, and even woodland pizzerias! There’s no limit to the imagination and fun when children are free to explore. Fresh air, friends, and the great outdoors. What better way to enjoy the school holidays? #TogetherWeExplore #LearnOutdoors #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #SchoolHolidayClub #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool
We were thrilled to welcome back Corylus Collective for another brilliant Nature Crafting course! Hannah and her team had the children exploring our Forest School, drawing artistic inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings. From 3D outdoor artworks and butterfly tapestries to clay caterpillars and printmaking, there was creativity at every turn. Fresh air, nature and crafts…what a fabulous club! #NatureCrafting #OutDoorLearning #CreativeKids #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The boarders have had a jam-packed first half of the summer term, finishing on a high with an incredible talent contest! From singing and music to magic and dancing, they (along with the Boarding Team) gave it their all in a fun-filled showdown. What a talented bunch they are. #ILoveBoarding #TogetherWeInspire #CountryBoardingSchool #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #WestSussex #Surrey
The weather definitely did not stop play today at the Multi-Activities Club! Great fun has been had by all the children, and it’s been a jam-packed day full of zip-lining, sports, crafts and swimming. All the children got stuck in and had an amazing time from start to finish. Smiles all around! #MultiActivitiesClub #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #HolidayClub #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Our amazing Year 4s wowed us all last week with their unforgettable production of Archibald’s War, brilliantly directed by Miss Ingamells. The children sang, danced, and acted their wartime socks off, first performing to the whole school, then delivering an exclusive show for proud parents. Our Head called it “a true triumph,” adding, “I couldn’t have been prouder of what the children accomplished.” Bravo, Year 4! #TogetherWeThrive #TogetherWeAchieve #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Yesterday, Year 7 visited the @the_globe and watched a one-of-a-kind performance of Romeo and Juliet, a classic Shakespearean text with a Wild West twist! Not only did they enjoy an incredible production, but they also explored this historic venue and even tried on some costumes. This inspiring trip ties into their current English text, King of Shadows by Susan Cooper. What a way to bring literature to life! #Shakespeare #GlobeTheatre #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdIndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Year 1 were buzzing with creativity this morning in an interactive literacy session. Using picture prompts, they built imaginative sentences, structured stories and shared their joyful tales with the class. Today’s Essential Skill focus was Aiming High and they certainly did. #Literacy #AimingHigh #CreativeClassroom #EssentialSkills #TogetherWeLearn #CoEdSchool #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
A beautiful performance at our Cushion Concert this week by one of our talented Year 6 pupils. These weekly concerts are informal events where we invite parents into school to enjoy their children’s musical talents in a relaxed setting. Music is woven into the fabric of life at Highfield and Brookham, and we see it as a vital part of nurturing well-rounded, confident children and supporting academic learning. #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentCountrySchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
After a busy morning of swimming with their parents watching on, our Nursery children were more than ready for a hearty lunch. Bangers and mash with lots of vegetables were perfect for hungry children and went down a treat! Lots of happy faces and full tummies – all thanks to our fabulous kitchen team for another delicious and nutritious meal. #TogetherWeGrow #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdIndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex.
We love hearing from our Old Highfieldians. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back Olivia, who was with us from 2006 to 2016 to hear about her journey since leaving Highfield and Brookham and the lasting friendships and memories she still treasures. It’s something we hear time and time again from generations of leavers – there’s just something magical about the school and being part of the Highfield and Brookham community. #HighfieldandBrookhamMagic #OldHighfieldians #HighfieldandBrookhamMemories #CoEdIndependentSchool #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Yesterday featured back-to-back House tennis matches across all year groups, with plenty of friendly rivalry on the courts. As always, the spirit of competition was high and the matches closely contested. The winning House will be announced shortly. Good luck to all! #TogetherWeAchieve #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The IPQ Exhibition on Saturday was fantastic. Our Year 8 pupils proudly presented their IPQ projects to parents, staff and visiting senior school representatives. It was a wonderful showcase of their hard work and great preparation for senior school. Well done Year 8! #TogetherWeAchieve #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #IndepenedentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #CoEdSchool Bedales School Canford School Charterhouse School Churcher’s College Cranleigh School Downe House School Gordonstoun Seaford College Sherborne Boys
Deputy Head Kerri Wilkes explains how our bespoke skills-based education programme is empowering young minds with the skills they need for today, and tomorrow. Click on the link in our bio above to read our Essential Skills blog. #TogetherWeLearn #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdIndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex