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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…

Our Year 1 children stepped back in time on a visit to the @rurallifelm to experience the rhythms of traditional countryside living, collecting eggs, “milking” the cow, gathering water and even trying their hand at washing clothes the old-fashioned way. Through hands on exploration and full of curiosity, the children gained a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from, how daily life has changed and the skills people once relied on every day. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation

How do we prepare children for a world that’s changing faster than ever? Join us for Raising the Future, an inspiring conference exploring how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. You’ll hear from expert speakers, explore bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve. • Insightful talks • Big ideas for future-ready learning • Meaningful conversations If you care about the future of education, join us and be part of the conversation. you. Tickets are available here ➡️ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/raising-the-future/ #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership Bedales School

Year 6 produced an unforgettable performance of Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Drama provides every pupil with the opportunity to step into the spotlight in their own way which builds confidence beyond the theatre. In this celebration of imaginative storytelling, we witnessed courageous performances and pupils supporting one another every step of the way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

There were some truly spellbinding performances from our Year 6 cast in their production of The Witches. From bold character choices to brilliant teamwork, this production really had it all with the children mastering creativity and confidence and adding just a touch of mischief. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #drama #roalddahl #TheWitches

We loved welcoming @samhooper15 from @englandhockey to Highfield and Brookham. Sharing his journey and working with the boys on developing their skills, Sam gave a real insight into what it takes to succeed and inspired them to aim high and dream big. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #prepschoolsports #hockey

We were delighted to welcome Sam Hooper from England Hockey to Highfield and Brookham. Sam worked with our boys’ hockey players on developing their skills and shared his journey to representing England. Visits like this are incredibly inspiring, giving our pupils a real insight into what it takes to succeed and encouraging them to dream big. Thank you, Sam, for inspiring the next generation. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #prepschoolsports #hockey

Our Nursery children welcomed their families to Forest School for a wonderful woodland morning of Easter-themed crafting, using natural materials to spark imagination and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #forestschool

Our Nursery children enjoyed a magical morning at Forest School, crafting woodland-inspired Easter creations alongside their families. Through hands-on play in nature, they’re developing creativity, fine motor skills and a lifelong curiosity about the world around them. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #forestschool #easter #creativity

New baby and toddler swim classes! Starting next term, we’re welcoming little swimmers aged 6–24 months. These are gentle, fun sessions with qualified coaches and are perfect for building water confidence at your child’s own pace, whether it’s their first splash or not! Join us for a lovely positive experience for you and your child. And please do share with any friends and family with little ones. Book now ➡️ https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/swim-school/

Armed with £10, our Year 7s became young entrepreneurs as they developed their own business ideas, showing creativity, resilience and initiative every step of the way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex

How do we prepare children for a world that’s changing faster than ever? Join us for Raising the Future, an inspiring conference exploring how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. You’ll hear from expert speakers, explore bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve. • Insightful talks • Big ideas for future-ready learning • Meaningful conversations If you care about the future of education, this event is for you. Tickets are available now, book through the link in our bio. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool

Spring has sprung in Reception, and so has the children’s curiosity. The children have been learning how to care for ducklings and were lucky enough to watch their very own ducklings hatch in the classroom, hold them gently and see them take their first swim. Learning truly works best when it’s hands-on, full of wonder and shared with care. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #spring #ducklings

A moment of sunshine, friendship and happiness…At Highfield and Brookham, we encourage every child to be kind, to look out for one another, to include, support and grow together. Because happiness isn’t just a feeling, it’s something we create through kindness, care and the way we treat each other every single day. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #internationaldayofhappiness

Our audience of Years 5-8 was transported to Verona in a wonderful performance of Romeo and Juliet as part of the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation. More than a production, it was a chance for collaboration, courage and creative thinking to come to life on stage. From powerful performances to thoughtful teamwork behind the scenes, every moment reflected the confidence and authenticity we strive to nurture every day at Highfield and Brookham. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #romeoandjuliet

There was love, conflict and a touch of drama in the theatre as our pupils took to the stage for their final performance of Romeo and Juliet as part of @cssf_uk. This cast gave their all and reminded us that true learning comes alive in action, through collaboration, courage and creative thinking. Every scene was a lesson in confidence, teamwork and authenticity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #drama #romeoandjuliet

Our Year 4 pupils stepped back in time as part of their Ancient Egyptians topic trying their hand at mummifying their teddy bears! It proved trickier than expected, but with plenty of patience, teamwork and determination, the children carefully wrapped their very patient “pharaohs”. Such a wonderfully hands-on way to bring history to life. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Our Year 4 pupils stepped back in time as part of their Ancient Egyptians topic trying their hand at mummifying their teddy bears! It proved trickier than expected, but with plenty of patience, teamwork and determination, the children carefully wrapped their very patient “pharaohs”. Such a wonderfully hands-on way to bring history to life. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Creativity begins with curiosity. Our Reception children explore materials, test ideas and discover the joy of bringing their imagination to life. These are the foundations of creative thinking. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex

Our Reception Snack Monitor shows that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, taking responsibility and lending a helping hand to the class. It’s these everyday actions, big and small, that grow the leaders of tomorrow. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Some of our children in Years 6-8 are putting the final touches on their Romeo and Juliet performance for the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Each rehearsal is a chance to practise listening, speaking with confidence and adapting when things don’t go quite as planned. Through bold performances and deep character exploration, they’re making connections, discovering new ideas and finding their unique voices. We can’t wait to see their hard work shine on stage. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation

Some of our Year 6–8 children are putting the final touches on their Romeo and Juliet performance for the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Every rehearsal is a chance to practise listening, speaking with confidence and adapting when things don’t go quite as planned. Through deep character exploration and bold performances, they’re making connections, discovering new ideas and finding their unique voices. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex @cssf_uk

Year 2 have been learning to think like scientists as they explored chromatography, carefully using pipettes to place a water droplet on an ink sample and watching the colours separate as the experiment unfolded. Along the way, the children were using their problem-solving skills as they tested and observed what happened and their speaking and listening skills as they discussed their predictions and results. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BritishScienceWeek

When our Pre-Prep children arrived this morning, the House Cup had disappeared and a note had been left behind by the thief. At Highfield and Brookham, learning is about curiosity, collaboration and discovering the joy of finding things out, so Year 1 took on the role of forensic scientists, using chromatography to investigate which teacher’s pen had written the message. By separating the inks into their different colours, they were hoping to identify the match and catch the culprit. But were they successful? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BritishScienceWeek #science

As our nursery children pulled buckets of balls on a rope or pushed wheelbarrows of bricks, they discovered an important idea: the heavier the load, the harder you have to work. A playful way to explore forces while strengthening balance, coordination and confidence, while also developing key skills such as teamwork, problem solving and staying positive when challenges get harder. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #BritishScienceWeek #PE #GrossMotorSkills

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