Together we adventure
Pre-prep
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.
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.
What we’re up to…
Are you ready to discover a school that truly stands out? Join us for our Open Morning on 28th September and experience what makes Highfield and Brookham so special. From our inspiring curriculum to our warm, welcoming community, there’s no better way to discover our magic than by visiting us in person. Book your place today at
Ladies and gentlemen, please say hello to our brilliant boarding team. They really are the unsung heroes of our school who, through their love, care and dedication, make Highfield and Brookham a true home away from home for our boarders. Thank you, Team Boarding, for everything you do! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Boarding
Our pre-prep children had an exciting morning when traffic officers from Sussex Police paid a visit. It was a truly arresting sight to see the children so engaged, absorbing every little detail that the officers shared with them while bombarding them with a million brilliant questions. And the highlight? Sitting in the police car, of course! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Having our old IT equipment recycled is not only helping support a charity in Southampton which is tackling homelessness, it’s also helping the environment by preventing harmful substances making their way into the ground and into watercourses. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ComputerRecycling
We’ve had a scintillating afternoon of sports action, welcoming back our good friends from 11 different schools to compete in our annual football and hockey tournaments and engage in some eager competition on the netball court. What a fantastic way to start a new season of competitive school sport! Aldro Barrow Hills School Bedales School Edgeborough School Farleigh School Hoe Bridge School Lord Wandsworth College Seaford College St. Edmund’s School, Hindhead Twyford School, Hampshire Westbourne House School #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
It’s not always easy being a goalkeeper on a sports team as you’re the last line of defence and there to be shot at. But there’s no better way to earn the adoration, respect and praise of your teammates than to make a string of simply incredible saves to keep your side in the match! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Hockey #Teammates #Camaraderie
Did you know that our children are immersed in science all the way through school, delving into the wonders of biology, chemistry and physics from the moment they first walk in the door? Science helps our children see the world in a new light, whether they are out collecting samples in nature or undertaking experiments in the lab, and helps make them curious about the world around them. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Science
Autumn and winter may be closing in fast but the young holidaymakers and the army of willing volunteers involved in this summer’s brilliant Highreach Holidays will be warmed by memories that will last a lifetime. Simply click the link to see just how much fun the children (and adults) had as it was all captured for posterity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #HighreachHolidays
Don’t miss the chance to apply for our new Year 5 all-rounder scholarship for entry in September 2025. The scholarship will recognise exceptional children who are bright and curious and show a real passion for learning. Head to our website (link in bio) to find out more. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #year5scholarship @talkeducation @muddysurrey @muddyhantsiow @muddy_sussex
After a busy day of studying, it’s important that our boarders have a dedicated space where they can relax, chat with their friends, watch a film, or maybe even have a singsong round the piano. Thanks to the hard work of our maintenance team and the excellent interior design skills of domestic manager Mrs Gray, the delighted children have exactly that in the newly-refurbished girls’ common room. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #CommonRoomRefurb
Did you know that each month at least one child’s piece of work is named Art Effort of the Month? For July, dedicated art teachers Mrs Houghton and Mrs Pearson deemed the winner to be Caelan MacDonald for his wonderful perspective of the @transportforlondon London Underground. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Art
We’ve got an excellent reputation for the strength of our ever-evolving and ongoing pastoral provision and the children selected as our latest ‘peers listeners’ are determined to make sure it stays that way! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Pastoral #Wellbeing
The boarders are safely installed, we’ve welcomed new pupils from near and far, the school corridors have been filled with excited chatter, the sublime smell of mouth-watering meals has once again emanated from the dining hall and the classrooms have been a hive of activity and learning. It’s so brilliant to be back! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BackToSchool #NewSchoolYear
Rain, what rain? It’s brilliant to be back! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BackToSchool #NewSchoolYear
The stage is all set and the wait is almost over. All that’s missing now is the children… #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BackToSchool
We’re very much looking forward to welcoming back our boarders this evening ahead of the new school year, with our day children returning on Thursday. Our returnees will be met by our refurbished entrance porch and newly-laid resin walkway which, as well as looking really smart, will hugely reduce the amount dust being walked into the school compared to the previous pea-shingle surface. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
The tables were turned on our sports coaches today as they were put through their paces ahead of the start of the new school year. Miss McIntosh ran through quality drills and techniques on the netball court while Kevin Wilson-Wild, head coach of Guildford Saints F.C, gave the teachers some top tips to pass onto their pupils during the football season. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
While the children may come and go through the years, one thing that remains constant is the high level of dedicated teaching and the wonderful relationship that our teachers form with their eager young charges. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We’re delighted to announce that our progressive approach to academic rigour in the form of the recently-unveiled Keys Diploma, our continuing pursuit of pastoral excellence and the popularity of our boarding provision have (among other things) helped us earn a place in the Tatler Schools Guide 2025. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
We’re delighted to have been included in the @tatlermagazine Schools Guide for 2025 as one of the UK’s top prep schools. We strive to give our children the very best education possible via a progressive, skills-based curriculum delivered by first-rate teachers which will equip them for life at senior school and beyond. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
At Highfield and Brookham, we’re justly proud of our dedicated teaching team who go above and beyond to support each and every child, both in and out of the classroom. Seeing our children thrive and hearing feedback like this from parents is why we do what we do. #HighfieldBrookham #ParentTestimonial #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #PastoralCare #BoardingSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ExcellenceInTeaching
Our busy programme of summer work inside and out is almost complete, including a beautiful makeover for our visitors’ loo. We’re incredibly proud of all the unsung heroes who have worked so diligently throughout the holidays to ensure that the school is in great shape for the start of the new school year next week. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Progress is being made on our new Wellbeing Garden. The flowerbeds have been fully prepared and we’re one step closer to creating a tranquil outdoor space for our children to enjoy. We can’t wait to see the garden come to life once the planting gets underway. #TogetherWeGrow #WellbeingGarden #OutdoorClassroom #PastoralCare #NatureSpace #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex
Are you ready to discover a school that truly stands out? Join us for our Open Morning on 28th September and experience what makes Highfield and Brookham so special. From our inspiring curriculum to our warm, welcoming community, there’s no better way to discover our magic than by visiting us in person. Book your place today➡️bit.ly/3XZVruq
The red maples that our grounds team lovingly planted in January 2023 to replace the trees which fell victim to ash dieback are now becoming beautifully established, forming a leafy vista from Chapel Field and past Mac’s Field to the woodland beyond. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TreePlanting @thetreecouncil @keepbritaintidy