Together we adventure

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.

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Seeing the pre-prep children jump into wellies and waterproof trousers in record time and charge out to break was fabulous.

Lessons

Our Pre-Prep timetable has been meticulously curated to ensure we get the best out of your child throughout the day. Your child will benefit from being taught maths and English every morning by their highly-qualified class teacher. They then embark on a day full of incredible lessons, including music, games, PE, Spanish and swimming which are all delivered by subject specialist teachers. Lessons are either taught as a single lesson of half an hour or to allow, your child to really get stuck in, some lessons are scheduled as a double one-hour lesson.

The timetable also ensures the Pre-Prep children can make the most of our incredible facilities as well as our amazing teachers. The acres of woodland just a stone’s throw from their classroom door is home to your child’s forest school lessons. Our on-site, 25-metre indoor swimming pool, which is heated by a renewal energy source in the shape of our woodchip biomass boiler, is where your child will learn to swim. For their music lessons, your child will head over to our purpose-built Music School to be surrounded by musical inspiration and every instrument they could possibly dream of – everything from African drums to a grand piano. Our Art Studio is where our Pre-Prep and Prep school children delve into painting, pottery and collage, allowing your child to share their creative vision with their older peers. The sports hall, astro and endless fields and pitches will give your child the space to breathe, stretch their physical muscles and discover their sporting prowess.

Food

Great children need great food which is why we hire a fantastic team of chefs, bakers and cooks to keep your child well fuelled throughout the day. Morning break is at 10am, the same time as our Prep school children. Your child will enjoy a carbohydrate-based snack to provide them with a slow release of energy to power them through their morning lessons.

Lunch break for our Pre-Prep children is at 11.45am when your child will enjoy a good run around outside as well as a nutritious meal before returning to lessons at 1pm. Your child’s lunch is freshly prepared on site by our in-house Catering Team. We offer a wide choice of dishes to ensure we cater for all tastes. There are always hot and cold options, with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads. Vegetarians, vegans and those with special dietary requirements are well catered for.

Our seasonal menus operate on a three-week rotation and aim to educate your child about healthy choices and responsible eating.

Logistics

The Pre-Prep week

7.30am Breakfast club (Optional £)

8am Before school care

8.15am Gates open

8.30am Registration

10.30am Morning break

11.40am Lunch break

3.30pm School day ends

3.30pm After school clubs (optional)

4.30pm Clubs end

4.30pm Picnic tea and play (optional £)

6.30pm Last pick up

Drop off

The doors to our pre-prep swing open for children at 8.15am ready for your child to start their day promptly at 8.30am. We know and completely understand that mornings can be busy for many families, with parents juggling school drop off, work and other commitments. It’s important that your child’s start to the day is calm and stress free to set them up for a successful say of learning. That’s why we offer an earlier 8am drop off option for those families who need it, at no extra charge.

Many of our families make use of our breakfast club, which opens for our Nursery children at 7.30am. Breakfast club takes place in the dining hall and your child will be spoilt for choice for what to have for breakfast. There is always a hot option such as beans on toast as well cereal, porridge, yoghurt, toast and fresh fruit. A truly hearty breakfast to kickstart their active day ahead.

After school

The school day finishes at 3.30pm but your child’s time with us does not have to stop there. There is a plethora of after-school clubs for your child to choose from. But not before they have had a snack for a well-earned energy boost to see them through the next hour of excitement. There are four categories of clubs: academic, skill development, artistic and physical and we encourage your child to try to choose one club from each group to give themselves the opportunity to explore new interests. Many of our clubs are run by our teachers who are passionate about a certain sport, subject or hobby and are free of charge. We also invite external professionals to run clubs such as Karate, modern dance or cookery, which do incur additional costs.

If there isn’t a club that takes your child’s fancy but you need your child to be looked after, they can join our after school care which runs until 4.30pm. We know life is exceptionally busy for all families which is why, in addition to our after school provision, we also offer picnic tea and play. In this popular session your child will be served a high tea which they will enjoy as a picnic with their friends. There will be lots of games and activities on offer for your child until 6.30pm.

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What we’re up to…

One of the undoubted highlights of the festive season is the annual Christmas card competition, where the children demonstrate amazing levels of creativity and artistic talent. Art teachers Mrs Houghton and Mrs Pearson have a tough job every year picking the winners, and this year was no exception. It was multimedia heaven as the children produced eye-catching designs featuring Santa, snowmen, baubles, Christmas trees, snowy scenes, reindeer and wreaths using pastels, watercolours, charcoal and acrylics. Warmest congratulations to our five year-group winners Max B, Lola H, Florence S, Megan B and Cecilia J, and to Max and Cecilia who were named joint overall winners in a very tight contest. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Are you looking for a new school? One which offers a progressive, skills-based curriculum and first-class teaching? Where the children’s health and wellbeing are paramount? We are hosting our first open morning of the new year on Saturday 11th January, from 10.30am-12.30pm. We’d love for you to meet our Head, Suzannah Cryer, members of our friendly and professional teaching team, and take a tour of the school and its exceptional facilities in the company of our engaging Year 8 children. To book a place, visit bit.ly/4fvyVym or click the link in our bio! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

With 21 of our boys and girls currently involved with the Hampshire cricket pathway initiative, we’re delighted to have been named among the top 50 prep and junior schools in the UK by @thecricketer Schools Guide for the sixth successive year. The latest endorsement follows a year in which we have secured two @iapsuk national age group titles. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Leading figures from six of the best prep and senior schools in the country will champion the benefits of a country education at a special event in February. Educating Outside London will focus on the advantages of a rural education as opposed to schooling in the capital. Marlborough College Radley College Downe House School Hanford School Dorset Ludgrove School #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

The children on our final cookery course of the year don’t need to worry about picking up any last-minute gifts for their friends and family – because they’ve made their own! Heavenly hot chocolate sticks, blissful biscotti biscuits and cracking Christmas chilli jelly were the order of the day, with the children taking great pride in packaging them all up beautifully in charming gift bags ready to take home. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

What a wonderful day of festive fun our Mini Marvels have had. After getting creative with Christmas crafts and taking a lovely dip in the swimming pool, the children decorated Santa, snowman and star-shaped biscuits that they had lovingly prepared earlier to set them up perfectly for some exciting days ahead. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

The phenomenal breadth and depth of talent we have in the school was there for all to see as Trafalgar secured bragging rights for the third successive year in the House Performing Arts competition. We were treated to a dazzling and magical display of dancing, singing, instrumental artistry, comedy and music to end the term in vine style, something which underlined not only the amazing level of dramatic and artistic tuition our children receive but also the confidence our young people have to stand up in front of their peers and perform to such a high level. Congratulations to joint overall winners Ollie Fanshawe (magic) and Nick Ai (piano) and all of our wonderful performers. Bravo! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #PerformingArts

Christmas has come early for our treasured Highreach charity, which provides week-long summer holidays for children with disabilities, as a brilliant £3,200 was raised at our recent winter wonderland. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Christmas #WinterWonderland

With excitement growing as Santa’s big day looms large, the children on our ever-popular cookery course have today been busy mixing, measuring, pouring and whisking; producing some amazing (and very tasty!) edible Christmas gifts such as this delightful shortbread, complete with a lovely hint of cinnamon! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Cookery

The art room was transformed into a veritable Christmas wonderland today, thanks to the lovely people from Feltybeecrafts. We couldn’t have wished for a better start to our busy festive holiday activities programme as the children turned their hands to the intricate techniques of needle felting, marbling and beading to produce amazing seasonal robins, snowflakes, candy canes, wreaths and flower pots which will undoubtedly take pride of place in their homes this Christmas. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #CreativeCrafting #ArtsAndCrafts

Wishing everyone in the Highfield and Brookham community a very happy, healthy and restful Christmas. We hope our little festive video puts a smile on your face.

This year’s Year 3 and 4 Christingle and Year 5 and 6 Carol Service were truly unforgettable. The addition of our incredible school orchestra elevated the experience, creating a beautiful atmosphere filled with festive music. #CarolService #SchoolOrchestra #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Highfield and Brookham was a dazzling display of festive fashion for #ChristmasJumperDay! With a busy schedule of four carol services, two talent shows, and a Christmas lunch, we celebrated a day early. Our children are not ones to miss out on the opportunity to dress up and express themselves. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

As we race towards the end of term, Years 4-8 came together for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the House Performing Arts Competition. Our children truly outdid themselves, lighting up the stage with mountains of talent, bags of enthusiasm and sheer bravery. Every act was met with rapturous applause from our audience and judges. A huge well done to all our incredible performers for stepping into the spotlight and giving it their all. Bravo!

Proudly wearing their handmade Rudolph hats, Reception children dined in Christmas cheer today as they were treated to a festive meal by our ever-talented catering team. Laughter, music, and sharing a meal with friends are the perfect recipe for a Christmas lunch. #ChristmasLunch #Rudolph #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Santa and his cheeky elf kindly took time out from their busy workshop to visit our Pre-Prep today. The delight on the children’s faces was something truly magical. They instantly decided it was definitely the real Father Christmas because he did not have any string on his beard. Nothing gets past our inquisitive children!

Performing on stage, no matter how big or small is a huge moment for our children. Year 2 did us proud today during their nativity performance. They truly embraced the opportunity to express themselves, performing with confidence and gusto. A huge round of applause to all the cast and crew for their incredible teamwork to pull off a truly festive performance and for sharing their talents with us. #Year2 #ChristmasNativity #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Our pre-prep children have had another tour de force on the festive stage. This time it was the turn of enthusiastic Year 2 to act out A Midwife Crisis, a fabulous adaptation of the Christmas story. Not only did the children recite their lines beautifully, sing their hearts out, perform the actions in time and look the part in their wonderful costumes, but they did so with an immense amount of pride and smiles on their faces. Bravo, Year 2! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Kings, queens, mummies, gods and goddesses were the order of the day as Year 4 learnt all about the life and times of the ancient Egyptians. The inquisitive children, dressed in their finest period costumes, got a close look at artefacts of the time, wrote in hieroglyphics, took part in Egyptian-themed games and quizzes and wrapped up a brilliant day with a look at mummification. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

A charity with a focus on social mobility has received a festive boost to the tune of £3,215. The money, which will swell the coffers of the Highfield Centenary Bursaries Fund, was raised at a successful Christmas shopping evening at the end of the November. Albi&Mac Label Lady ROOST Little Fish, Sushi in the Sticks The Hawkley Inn Ellie and Bea Rum Barn Collecting Seashells Ziorva Jewellery The Blacksmiths Daughter Combe Cottage Pottery Thermomix UK and Ireland Tucca Swim Hogmoor Distillery Sublime Body & Mind Suzie at The Old Studio Silk Works London Craftiful Studio The Gay Farmer Noble and Stace Chocolatiers Nettle & Nutmeg Sublime Chocolate Curated Tube #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Our Year 8 children penned and performed a series of short sketches today as part of a Theatre in Education initiative. While their skits, which were played out in front of a young audience of enthusiastic pre-prep children, were highly amusing, they also carried important messages warning of the dangers of bullying and stranger danger while extolling the virtue of good hygiene, kindness and friendship. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

The theatre was overflowing with joy and wonder today as Year 1 took to the stage to perform their festive play, The Sleepy Stargazer. The children confidently told the lovely tale of a little boy called Philip, who finds himself on an amazing journey to the heart of the Christmas story. Looking every inch the part in their brilliant costumes, they delivered their lines with verve and enthusiasm, took centre stage with smiles on their faces and brought the house down with their uplifting songs. Bravo, Year 1! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

We’re delighted to announce that our Christmas shopping evening in November and last week’s celebratory ‘winter wonderland’ netted almost £6,500 for two school charities. The money raised, which included proceeds from raffling beautiful hampers crammed full of goodies donated by stallholders at the festive shopping event, will be split between the Centenary Bursaries Fund and Highreach Holidays. @albiandmac @roostuk1 @ziorva @happyhandspotterypainting @tuccaswim @silkworkslondon @label_lady @ellieandbeahants @rum_and_reggae @collectingseashellsltd @nettleandnutmeguk @tawny_owl_wood @hogmoordistillery @sublimepilatesandyoga @isimi_uk @combecottagepottery @sublimechocolates23 @the_blacksmiths_daughter @thehawkleyinn @littlefishsushiinthesticks @sublimepilatesandyoga @suzieattheoldstudio #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Our children receive top-quality sports tuition from qualified coaches who have bags of experience playing competitive sport at national and regional level. Mr Grech, a player-coach at @haslemerehockey who is currently working toward his Level 2 England Hockey award, put our U10 girls through their paces ahead of matches against @cranleighprepschool today. And the drills, which this week focused on controlled passing and precise shooting, paid off with some impressive performances on the hockey pitch. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

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