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…

The rugby season kicked off in fine style today as we welcomed our friends from Feltonfleet School, Seaford College, St. Edmund’s School, Surrey and Amesbury School for some heartwarming matches full of skill, passion and excellent sportsmanship on a bitterly cold day. With 12 rugby pitches at our disposal and the ability to put out 17 teams, it promises to be a busy and exciting season. We can’t wait! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

It was a day for brave hearts and steely determination on the netball court as our U11 girls went toe to toe with our friends from @hoebridgeschool in plummeting temperatures. Despite the bitter wind, both teams warmed the watching parents with some astute passing and moving, fine shooting, great teamwork and perseverance. Well done, girls! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Netball

Our Year 2 children have discovered that adding exciting adjectives and interesting verbs can really bring their stories to life. Describing scenes from their class text, the children created simple noun phrases before adding colourful descriptions to add real depth and an extra dimension to their literacy tales. It was wonderful to see the children really thinking about the construction of their stories and not being afraid to be creative to make them more appealing. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

We were treated to another wonderful cushion concert today, featuring three soloists, two violinists, one flautist and a pianist. The children introduced their pieces to parents and friends before finishing their performances with a professional bow, all the time building their confidence playing to a small but select audience. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Music #CushionConcert

We’re delighted to have received another glowing report after a spot check by Food Standards Agency inspectors. Looking at how our highly-skilled kitchen staff handle food, how food is stored and prepared, cleanliness of facilities and how food safety is managed, the inspectors awarded us a maximum five-star hygiene rating with no recommendations or advisory notes. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Our boarding sleuths have put their critical-thinking skills to good use to meet a fiendish challenge presented by @exciting_escapes. Working together in teams of four, the children were tasked with finding hidden diamonds before a timer ran out and left them locked in their escape room. Luckily, the undaunted children were able to call on the key life skills that underpin their lessons at school every single day to make good their escape; evaluating information to make reasoned judgments and decisions, questioning assumptions, and making connections between group-based ideas. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #CriticalThinking #ProblemSolving #LifeSkills

The rock choir are tuning up their festive voices, the stallholders are putting the final touches to their colourful stalls and the food and drink is being prepared, so we’re almost set for our luxury Christmas shopping evening. We’re open until 8pm, so feel free to join us and get into the festive spirit! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChristmasShopping

We’ve had a fun day raising money for Children In Need, with our Year 8 cohort showing what great leaders and entrepreneurs we have on our hands. All children could wear home clothes for the day in return for a £2 donation, which included fun activities dreamed up, organised and run by the oldest prep school pupils. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChildrenInNeed

Our Lower Prep children had an absolute ball this afternoon, with the U8 boys kicking off their tag rugby season against Cranleigh Prep and the girls taking to the netball courts for some terrific matches against Edgeborough School. As always, great commitment, skilful play and amazing sportsmanship were evident in equal measure. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

We are so looking forward to our Luxury Christmas Shopping tomorrow evening! With stalls from some of the very best local businesses, it’s the perfect opportunity to hunt out those unique and special gifts. We’ve got tasty seasonal food and drink available and there will be festive tunes courtesy of @thecadettestrio. If you’ve not yet booked, do head to the link in our bio to reserve your place and collect your FREE shopping bag on the night. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Our pupils learn from a young age that to work through things methodically and effectively, it’s important to get all your ducks in a row. This level of preparation and foresight really stands the children in good stead as they progress through school. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

At Highfield and Brookham, kindness isn’t just a word – it’s one of our core values and way of life. Today, we celebrate #worldkindnessday2024 knowing that small acts of kindness make such a big difference. Whether it’s helping a friend, sharing a smile or lending a hand, our pupils are learning that kindness is the foundation of a strong and supportive community. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #AutumnTerm #worldkindnessday2024 #bekind #worldkindessday

Are you looking for fun and educational activities for your children to do in the run up to Christmas whilst you crack on with the festive preparations? We have just the thing! ➡️bit.ly/3ArzOtC

We’re delighted to share this wonderful story of kindness about the return of one of our much-loved library books. Read the full story ⬇️

The Highfield and Brookham community was treated to a spectacular bonfire firework display last Saturday. Huge thanks to our fabulous catering, grounds and maintenance teams for their immense hard work in making this special event run so smoothly. Profits from the sales of food and drink and merchandise will be generously donated to Highreach Holidays. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #AutumnTerm #bonfirenight #fireworks

We have today paid homage to the brave Old Highfieldians who fell in the service of their country during the two world wars. The poignant Act of Remembrance was led by Mrs Cryer, our Head, who read out the names of the fallen alongside her husband, Bob. Music teacher Mr Withell sounded The Last Post before the whole school fell silent for two minutes of sombre reflection. We will remember them. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ActOfRemembrance

Lest we ever forget. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ActOfRemembrance

Guided by the incredible @handlebards, Year 7 jumped headfirst into the world of Shakespeare with an interactive workshop focused on the dark and mysterious tale of Macbeth. This hands-on experience really boosted their understanding of this wonderful play, building confidence in their acting and performance skills ready for their forthcoming performance as part of the @cssf_uk Shakespeare’s School’s Festival.

Year 7 and Year 8 were treated to an amazing performance of Macbeth by the fabulous @handlebards. The audience were mesmerised as the cast of two played all the roles in the play, well, almost all, a couple of lucky children did join them on stage to help with a couple of scenes! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #macbeth #shakespeare

Our Year 8 pupils have been continuing with one of their favourite art projects – the identity canvas. Having previously worked on designs which reflect their personalities and their time at school, using words, pictures and logos, the children added a dash of colour this week to their blank canvases which, once dried, will form the backdrop for their artistic creations. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Art

As well as being busy working toward their exams, considering senior school options and applying for pupil leadership roles, our Upper Prep school children are also key ambassadors for the school. For example, did you know that the older pupils play a vital role touring prospective families during our regular open mornings? Their infectious enthusiasm, honesty, integrity and heartfelt love of school life earns much praise from our visitors. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

When our children work together they have all the ingredients they need to succeed – and to make tasty apple cake! #TogetherWeGrow #Nursery #PrePrepSchool #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Collaboration

It may have been grey, damp and cool, but some exciting action on the football and hockey pitches certainly warmed up the watching parents as we welcomed our friends from Twyford School, Hampshire for another entertaining afternoon of sport. Well played, everyone! #Nursery #PrePrepSchool #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Nurtured by specialist music teachers, our children have the opportunity to play a wide range of musical instruments from a very young age, including violin, piano, flute, drums, oboe and guitar. #Nursery #PrePrepSchool #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #Music

The correlation between a healthy sleep regime and a healthy mind and body and increased performance in school came under scrutiny as our children marked Better Sleep Week. #Nursery #PrePrepSchool #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BetterSleepWeek

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