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…
Reading together is a real highlight of the week at Highfield and Brookham. Our Year 7 pupils regularly share stories with our Year 4s, helping to build confidence, foster empathy and nurture a genuine love of reading. Through shared reading and discussion, pupils develop key speaking and listening skills, learning to explain, question and respond thoughtfully. Older pupils build leadership and responsibility, while everyone learns that reading is something joyful and meant to be shared. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #YearOfReading2026
Our Year 7 pupils read regularly with our Year 4s, building confidence, empathy and a love of reading. Along the way, pupils develop key speaking and listening skills and discover that sharing a story is truly joyful. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #YearOfReading2026
Encouraging curiosity and a lifelong love of reading, our Years 1–3 Reading Ambassadors meet to share some of their favourite books, using their listening and speaking skills as they exchange thoughts and reflections on the stories they enjoy. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookLovers #worldbookday2026
Encouraging curiosity and a lifelong love of reading, our Years 1–3 Reading Ambassadors meet to share some of their favourite books, using their listening and speaking skills as they exchange thoughts and reflections on the stories they enjoy. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookLovers #worldbookday2026
While the costumes are always a highlight on #WorldBookDay, children at Highfield and Brookham, from Nursery right up to Year 8, know that the real joy comes from the books themselves. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookLovers
#WorldBookDay at Highfield and Brookham School was a joyful celebration of stories, imagination and a shared love of reading. Our pupils brought their favourite characters to life, reminding us that books open the door to curiosity and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading
As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we’ve loved welcoming a wonderful book fair run by @haslemerebookshop. From browsing new titles to debating favourites with friends, the children have thoroughly enjoyed choosing their next great read. You can find out more about how we nurture a love of reading by heading to our blog, find the link in our bio. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookFairFun #BookLovers
At Highfield and Brookham, a love of reading is carefully nurtured. Books are part of everyday life and are seen, shared and truly enjoyed. With daily quiet reading time and a warm, inviting library, children are encouraged to curl up on a beanbag and discover the joy of getting lost in a good book. Find out more about in our recent blog. https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/blog/reading-for-pleasure-small-habit-big-impact-why-reading-for-pleasure-matters-more-than-ever/ #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #YearOfReading2026
Our Pre-Prep children enjoyed a storytelling workshop with author and illustrator @sophieambrose_illustration. They listened carefully as Sophie talked about how stories begin and shared their own ideas for some illustrations. Building on their knowledge, the children experimented with their own ideas, working collaboratively and creatively to illustrate their very own books. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #yearofreading2026
Our Pre-Prep children enjoyed a storytelling workshop with author and illustrator Sophie Ambrose. They listened carefully as Sophie talked about how stories begin and shared their own ideas for some illustrations. Building on their knowledge, the children experimented with their own ideas, working collaboratively and creatively to illustrate their very own books. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #yearofreading2026
Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic day of learning at @brooklandsmuseum. The children marvelled at full-size jet aeroplanes, buses and cars exploring the exhibits and learning all about their topic Changing Transport. Hands-on activities and real-life examples sparked curiosity, deepened understanding and connected their learning with the wider world. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #year2 #schooltrip
Our Year 2s enjoyed a brilliant day of discovery at Brooklands Museum. Exploring the science of flight and discovering how an aeroplane stays in the sky, the children built their own paper flying craft, bringing their topic Changing Transport to life. Educational visits like these spark curiosity, deepen understanding and show children how learning connects to the wider world. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #schooltrip
Curious about the benefits of educating outside London? Join us for an informal drinks reception on Wednesday 11th March at @beauforthousechelsea, exploring countryside school options beyond the capital. Our Head, Suzannah Cryer, will be joined by senior representatives from @hanfordprepschool @ludgrove_school @downe_house @marlboroughcollege @tonbridge.school for an open discussion designed to help families make confident, informed choices. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask the experts. 👉 Book via the link in our bio. #EducatingOutsideLondon #CountrySchoolBenefits #ChildrensEducation #LondonKids #LondonMums #LondonDads #LondonFamily #LondonParenting #LondonParents #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices @talkeducation
Yesterday saw the first girls’ football fixtures of the year, with our U10s and U11s taking to our home pitches full of energy, teamwork and determination. It was a pleasure to welcome @twyfordschool and @amesburyschool for a great afternoon of football, sportsmanship and learning. A fantastic start to the season! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #girlsfootball #prepschoolsports
Year 3 pupils stepped into the tropics on their visit to The Living Rainforest. Exploring what a rainforest is, where rainforests are found around the world and why protecting these incredible habitats matters, the children loved bringing their classroom learning to life in such a hands-on way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #schooltrip #rainforestlearning
Our Year 6 pupils delved into the art of Chinese calligraphy, practising the character 春symbolising renewal and fresh beginnings. They learned key techniques, like holding the brush vertically, different brush strokes and controlling the pressure, and discovered the skill and patience required to create each character. A truly inspiring cultural and creative workshop. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChineseCalligraphy #Year6Learning #SpringInspiration #LanguageAndCulture #Creativity #lunarnewyear
Our Year 6 pupils explored the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, practising writing the character 春 which celebrates renewal and new beginnings. Learning essential techniques, including holding the brush vertically, brush strokes and controlling pressure, they discovered how skill and patience bring each character to life. A wonderful workshop that connected language, culture and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChineseCalligraphy #Year6Learning #SpringInspiration #LanguageAndCulture #CreativeLearning #lunarnewyear
What a brilliant afternoon of swimming at the gala against @cranleighprepschool. Our swimmers brought such energy to the pool, showing fantastic determination, teamwork and encouragement for one another throughout that helped them produce another stand-out performance. A huge well done to everyone involved, it was a joyful celebration of prep school swimming and all the best things about school sport. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #swimming #prepschoolswimming #prepschoolsport
What a fantastic afternoon of swimming at the gala against @cranleighprepschool. Our swimmers showed great determination, teamwork and support for one another throughout, continuing a strong tradition in the pool with another stand-out performance. Well done to everyone involved, it was a wonderful celebration of prep school swimming. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #swimming #prepschoolswimming
Best of luck to Louis, as he prepares to tackle Paper 2 of the Townsend-Warner History Prize. Out of more than 1,100 entries nationwide, he finished in the top 250 in Paper 1 and earned his place in today’s paper – hugely impressive! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TownsendWarnerHistoryPrize #LoveOfHistory #SchoolsInHampshire #AcademicProwess
Learning really does come alive when our nursery children head to Forest School. Carefully crossing a muddy puddle on a bed of logs is about so much more than getting from one side to the other. Forest School experiences help children develop balance, coordination, problem-solving skills and confidence, while also building resilience and a strong connection with the natural world. Time spent outdoors encourages curiosity, independence and teamwork, giving children the freedom to explore, take safe risks and learn through real experiences — muddy boots and all. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #forestschool #outdoorlearning
Join us at Highfield and Brookham School on 28th April for Raising the Future — a landmark conference for anyone passionate about preparing children for the world ahead. While curriculum reforms won’t take effect until 2028, the world our children will enter is already changing — AI, automation and rapid social shifts are transforming the jobs of tomorrow. Education can’t wait. We’re bringing together educators, employers and policymakers for expert-led sessions, panels and actionable discussions on: • The future of GCSEs and curriculum reform • How AI is reshaping the skills children need • Essential skills — from adaptability to emotional resilience • What employers will actually be looking for Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of education. Tickets are available here: https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/raising-the-future-conference-booking/ #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership Bedales School The Skills Builder Partnership
We’re thrilled to have been honoured with the @woodlandtrust’s prestigious Bronze Award for our commitment to outdoor learning. Head to the link in our bio to read more and discover why we have been recognised as a school community committed to nurturing a lifelong love of the natural world in every child. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #forestschool #outdoorlearning
We’re thrilled to have been honoured with the The Woodland Trust’s prestigious Bronze Award for our commitment to outdoor learning. Click to read more and discover why we have been recognised as a community committed to nurturing a lifelong love of the natural world in every child. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #outdoorlearning #forestschool
Some schools look right on paper and some feel right the moment you walk through the door. On Friday 20th March, we invite you to experience Highfield and Brookham for yourself. Meet our inspiring staff, tour the school with our pupils and discover a community where academic excellence sits alongside curiosity, kindness and confidence. You’ll know if it’s right, just by being here. Head to the link in our bio to reserve your place here. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #openmorning