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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…
Through self-portraits and careful observation, our Year 6 pupils explored the features that make them unique! It was an opportunity to reflect on personal identity and express their authentic selves by noticing the details that make them recognisably themselves. They were encouraged to see their individuality as something to be valued and celebrated, knowing that each person brings something distinctive to the world around them. 🌍 #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #ArtLesson #SelfPortrait #AuthenticSelf
What could possibly go wrong wearing cricket whites to a science lesson? Armed with measuring cylinders and a healthy dose of curiosity, our Year 6 pupils explored what happens when liquids of different densities meet. Like all good scientists, they were willing to take a risk, knowing that the outcome might not be exactly what they expected, but that is often where the most interesting discoveries begin. Fortunately, the cricket whites made it through the lesson unscathed! 🏏🧪 #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #Courage #ScienceExperiments #RiskTaking
Through self-portraits and careful observation, our Year 6 pupils explored the features that make them unique! It was an opportunity to reflect on personal identity and express their authentic selves by noticing the details that make them recognisably themselves. They were encouraged to see their individuality as something to be valued and celebrated, knowing that each person brings something distinctive to the world around them. 🌍 #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #ArtLesson #SelfPortrait #AuthenticSelf
What could possibly go wrong wearing cricket whites to a science lesson? Armed with measuring cylinders and a healthy dose of curiosity, our Year 6 pupils explored what happens when liquids of different densities meet. Like all good scientists, they were willing to take a risk, knowing that the outcome might not be exactly what they expected, but that is often where the most interesting discoveries begin. Fortunately, the cricket whites made it through the lesson unscathed! 🏏🧪 #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #Courage #ScienceExperiments #RiskTaking
🎭 A look back at our recent @lamdadrama showcase… What you see here is just a few minutes of performance. What you don’t see are the hours spent learning lines, rehearsing and building their authentic identity as a performer. It’s this dedication that helped our pupils achieve an outstanding 100% Distinction rate in their recent LAMDA examinations. 👏 Head to the link in our bio to read our press release and learn more about this fantastic achievement!
Year 3 headed out on an orienteering expedition around Queen Elizabeth Country Park and quickly discovered that finding your way around isn’t quite as easy when you can’t ask your phone for directions! Armed with an ordnance survey map, the children had to work out which paths to take, decipher unfamiliar symbols and decide whether that tempting-looking shortcut through the forest was actually a good idea. The children showed great teamwork throughout, helping one another navigate the course and overcome the challenges they encountered. The adventure continued after lunch as the children brought their Science learning to life through a range of hands-on seed dispersal activities. A day of exploration, decision-making and learning that sometimes the best route forward isn’t always the most obvious one.🌲🧭
Rain certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm during Year 8 Scholars’ Week! Despite the downpours, pupils embraced the week’s adventures with curiosity and enthusiasm. From exploring the mosaics at Bignor Roman Villa to touring Oxford’s historic colleges, visiting a familiar Harry Potter filming location, and even taking to the waves at Hayling Island, there was plenty to discover along the way. The week also included a fantastic performance of “Frankie Goes to Bollywood”, which had everyone captivated from start to finish. And what better way to end the week than with an ice cream before heading home?
We’re warming things up on this rainy day with a look back at one of the many highlights from our Year 6 residential! 🔥 Pupils learned how to build and light fires, working together to master a new skill and enjoying the rewards of their efforts around the campfire. #PrepSchool #Year6Residential #OutdoorLearning #Courageous #Kindness #AuthenticThinking
🎵”When the rainy days are dyin’, Gotta keep on, keep on tryin'”🎵 Year 3 mountain biking was… let’s say character-building. Before heading out into our school grounds, the children took part in a skills session covering braking, safe turning, group riding and navigating different terrain. Then we went out. Into the rain. A lot of rain. Cold. Muddy. Understatement of the year. And they were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Charlie had his helmet off, ready to retire, suggested he needed a nap to re-energise. Helmet went back on. He kept going. Max’s pedal fell off two minutes in. So he ran the whole 5km course. Often leading the way. And he was joined by two ‘non-riders’ who instead of sitting it out wanted to join in as well. Alba was an absolute superstar, pushing through despite a “very big problem… my thumbs don’t work anymore.” We could not be more proud! #MountainBiking #PrepSchool #OutdoorLearning #Year3 #GrowthMindset #NeverGiveUp #EthicalResponsibility
🎵”When the rainy days are dyin’, Gotta keep on, keep on tryin'”🎵 Year 3 mountain biking was… let’s say character-building. Before heading out into our school grounds, the children took part in a skills session covering braking, safe turning, group riding and navigating different terrain. Then we went out. Into the rain. A lot of rain. Cold. Muddy. Understatement of the year. And they were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Charlie had his helmet off, ready to retire, suggested he needed a nap to re-energise. Helmet went back on. He kept going. Max’s pedal fell off two minutes in. So he ran the whole 5km course. Often leading the way. And he was joined by two ‘non-riders’ who instead of sitting it out wanted to join in as well. Alba was an absolute superstar, pushing through despite a “very big problem… my thumbs don’t work anymore.” We could not be more proud! #MountainBiking #PrepSchool #OutdoorLearning #Year3 #GrowthMindset #NeverGiveUp #EthicalResponsibility
We’ve got some important post for @educationgovuk. Highfield and Brookham School has submitted a White Paper to the Department for Education calling for real change because the world our young people are stepping into looks nothing like the one our current school system was designed for. AI is changing the workplace. Smartphones are affecting wellbeing. And exams still don’t measure the skills employers actually need. We’re calling for: ✅ Human skills: communication, critical thinking, collaboration at the heart of learning ✅ GCSEs that reflect the real world ✅ A national framework for AI literacy ✅ Proper guidance on smartphones and online safety ✅ Schools and employers working together This isn’t just a school issue. It’s a conversation for all of us. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool @gilliankeegan
We’re proud to share that Highfield and Brookham School has submitted a White Paper to the Department for Education. Education for a Changing Society: Human Skills, AI Readiness, and Preparing Learners for the Future of Work sets out our vision for an education system that truly prepares young people for the world they’ll actually enter. Following our Raising the Future conference, which brought together education leaders, employers, tech experts we’re calling for: ✅ Greater focus on communication, critical thinking and collaboration ✅ GCSE reform that reflects real-world skills ✅ A national framework for AI literacy in schools ✅ Clearer guidance on smartphones, online safety and digital wellbeing ✅ Closer partnerships between schools, employers and policymakers Read the White Paper. This is a conversation that affects all of us. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Would you prefer to live on land or under the sea? That’s the big question Reception are exploring this term but today, the line between the two felt very blurred! Rather than letting the weather dampen their spirits, our incredible little learners did quite the opposite, they headed outside to see just how big a puddle they could make by moving water from all around their outdoor provision! The result? Pure joy, a LOT of water, and some very happy (and soggy) scientists in the making!
Say hello to our five newest Pre-Prep residents 🐟! Year 1 had the very important job of feeding our fish today – and they rose to the occasion! Caring for classroom pets is a wonderful way to nurture responsibility, kindness and respect for living things. We are very proud of how seriously our pupils have taken on their new role. Welcome to Pre-Prep 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟 #Preprep #Classroompet #EthicalResponsibility #Earlyyears
Over half term, something very special happened: Mrs Chapman got married! Our Nursery children were absolutely determined to celebrate her in style. They got straight to work: ✅ Crafting a one-of-a-kind wedding dress designed to perfection. ✅ Creating a beautiful, eco-friendly bouquet made entirely from tissue paper flowers. ✅ Baking heart-shaped shortbread biscuits fit for a royal wedding! Watching our youngest pupils pour so much thought, creativity, and care into celebrating someone they love shows exactly the kind of warm, principled young people we are so proud to nurture.
Congratulations Mrs Chapman! Over half term, something very special happened: Mrs Chapman got married! And her Nursery children weren’t going to let that go uncelebrated. They got to work crafting a one-of-a-kind wedding dress tailored to fit, designed a beautiful eco-friendly bouquet made entirely from tissue paper flowers and finished it all off with a giant congratulations card made with love. At Highfield and Brookham, we aim to raise young people who act with integrity and moments like these show just how naturally it comes to them. #EthicalResponsibility #EarlyYears #PrepSchool #JustMarried #SchoolCommunity
“Measure twice, cut once.” Wise words from Mrs Martin echoing through Year 4s DT lesson. The Romans built some of the most extraordinary structures the world has ever seen and this term, Year 4 are finding out exactly how they did it. At the heart of their learning is the theme: our changing world. Each child is designing and constructing their own Roman aqueduct scale model from scratch, learning to use dovetail saws, bench hooks, and precise measuring techniques along the way. Every aqueduct will then be joined together to put their engineering to the ultimate test: just how far can they transport water?
What is one of history’s greatest engineering feats? This term, Year 4 are stepping back in time to explore the Roman Aqueduct. As part of their wider study on our ethical responsibility to the world around us, we’ve been asking a big question: how has climate shaped the way humans have lived, built, and adapted over time? Year 4 will build their very own scale ratio models completely from scratch. Using dovetail saws, bench hooks, and careful measuring, they will carve, construct and decorate each aqueduct using a range of building materials and techniques, before connecting everyone’s individual aqueducts to see how far they can successfully transport water! Watch this space… #EthicalResponsibility #PrepSchool #DesignTechnology #HandsOnLearning #RomanAqueducts
What did your half term look like? Ours? It was packed with the kind of adventures children talk about for weeks. ✅ Building shelters ✅ Mastering fire-making ✅ Cooking up delicious recipes ✅ Making a splash in the pool ✅ Smashing it on the tennis court ✅ Shooting some hoops ✅ Getting crafty And we cannot wait to do it all over again in the summer. Find out what is coming up next https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/holiday-activity-clubs/. #HalfTerm #HalfTermActivities #PrepSchool #Surrey #Hampshire
What did your half term look like? Ours? It was packed with the kind of adventures children talk about for weeks. ✅ Building shelters ✅ Mastering fire-making ✅ Cooking up delicious recipes ✅ Making a splash in the pool ✅ Smashing it on the tennis court ✅ Shooting some hoops ✅ Getting crafty And we cannot wait to do it all over again in the summer. Find out what is coming up next https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/holiday-activity-clubs/. #HalfTerm #HalfTermActivities #PrepSchool #Surrey #Hampshire
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our school has received a Gold Award from The Woodland Trust, and what an extraordinary achievement it is! This honour is a true testament to the incredible dedication of our staff, particularly Ryan Underwood (Head of Enrichment), Charlie Millsom (Head of Forest School), and Rebecca Lane (Year 4 Teacher, leading Eco and Wellbeing in the Prep School), as well as our brilliant colleagues across the sports, EYFS, and maintenance teams who have so wholeheartedly embraced our environmental vision. We couldn’t be prouder.
Making short crust pastry is tricky at the best of times, but doing it in the heat? This week our budding chefs took on a serious challenge: homemade leek, potato and cheese pie, short crust pastry and all. That takes real skill and patience especially in this weather! We can safely say half term cookery club was a triumph as every last pie was gobbled up at lunch.
Half terms are for haircuts… Even the bushes need a little refresh before the children come back! There is something perfectly satisfying about watching a scruffy shrub transform into something sharp and tidy. We look forward to seeing the children’s fresh haircuts next week! #HalfTerm #ASMR #PrepSchool #Surrey #Hampshire #SchoolGrounds #TimeLapse
Half terms are for haircuts… Even the bushes need a little refresh before the children come back! There is something perfectly satisfying about watching a scruffy shrub transform into something sharp and tidy. We look forward to seeing the children’s fresh haircuts next week! #HalfTerm #ASMR #PrepSchool #Surrey #Hampshire #SchoolGrounds #TimeLapse
Who needs a kitchen when you’ve got a campfire? Our budding survival experts didn’t just learn to build a fire today, they cooked on it too! Sheltered under the cool canopy of trees, the children crafted their very own bread from scratch and toasted it over the flames on sticks. There is something truly special about eating food you have made and cooked entirely with your own hands in the great outdoors. Every step was a skill in itself: patience, teamwork, and a whole lot of determination.
