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Our Prep School

Our Prep school education is more than just preparing your child for their time at senior school. It is a time for challenge, excitement and fun. It is a period of discovery, where your child will determine who they want to be while they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. We are an independent co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 8-13. We’re located in 175 acres of stunning grounds within the South Downs National Park in Liphook, and welcome families from across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey.

Prep school is, of course, a time of assessment and exams. This cannot be avoided. However, our exceptional teachers will carefully manage this time. They will ensure your child doesn’t simply focus on this part of their educational journey. It’s important that we work together to ensure that their love of learning remains and their carefully nurtured flame is not extinguished.

The process of self-discovery that your child will go through will also lead them to important points such as senior school applications. Our highly-experienced Senior Leadership Team will guide you through this journey. A Highfield and Brookham education gifts you exceptional choice as we feed more than 30 of the top day and boarding senior schools in the country. This means we can help your child find the right school for them. We have made the progressive decision to move away from the full Common Entrance syllabus but remain with Common Entrance in the core subjects. This has allowed us to create a bespoke curriculum that focuses on the essential skills that we know senior schools and future employers are seeking in young adults. Our promise to you is that your child will leave Year 8 as an adaptable, resilient and independent young person ready for the world ahead.

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An excellent and very broad educational experience, combined with first-class pastoral care, great facilities in a wonderfully inspiring location.

Lessons

Our Prep school timetable is a one-week timetable consisting of eight 45-minute lessons a day. To maximise your child’s learning time the timetable has been curated to ensure they move around our specialist facilities in a logical order meaning precious time is spent in lessons rather than moving from one to the next.

To help your child develop the ability to self-critique in a constructive manner they will attend a weekly study skills lesson. Your child will have the opportunity to carry out this new-found skill by reflecting and commenting on their end-of-term progress reports. We provide many real-life opportunities like this for your child to put all of their knowledge and skills into practice. This helps to consolidate their learning as well as give meaning and context to their education.

Our specialist subject teachers in drama, music, games, PE, modern foreign languages, design technology, art and digital literacy teach all Prep school children. Our specialist facilities provide the perfect learning environment for these subjects. In addition, in Year 5 and Year 6 your child will be taught by a subject specialist in science where lessons are conducted in one of our three science labs. They also have an additional new subject added to their timetable – Latin. Our highly-experienced key stage specialist teachers will provide the core teaching in English and maths. By Year 7 your child will be set in all subjects and taught by a subject specialist in all lessons, including wellbeing, geography and history. This ensures your child has experienced the senior school model of teaching before they reach Year 9.

To allow your child to have a focused conclusion to their learning, the day will end in the same way it began – with their form teacher. This is a crucial cog in our exceptional pastoral wheel. It allows the teacher who knows your child best to touch base with them to ensure the day delivered all it had promised. And it allows them to support your child if things didn’t quite go to plan.

There are 21 Saturdays in the academic year where children in Year 5 and above attend school, with Year 4 attending school on 17 Saturdays. Saturday mornings are filled with curriculum extension activities where children consolidate their learning and stretch their understanding. Saturday afternoons follow the traditional structure of sports fixtures which parents are warmly invited to watch every week.

Food

Growing children need wholesome food which is why we commit to having such a brilliant Catering Department. All of your child’s meals are seasonally planned, freshly prepared and cooked on site. Morning break is at 10am – the same time for all children in the school. To ensure your child is fuelled appropriately so they can fully engage with their morning lessons they will be served a carbohydrate-based snack. This will provide them with a slow release of energy to keep them focused until lunch.

Lunch break for our Prep school children is at 12.45pm. Lunch service is staggered to ensure the dining hall feels a welcoming place for your child to eat lunch with their friends. The time your child will be called for lunch rotates throughout the week, so sometimes they will eat first and then enjoy the fresh air and sometimes the other way around. Lunch is canteen style with a wide range of tasty and nutritious food on offer to cater for all tastes. There are always hot and cold options, with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads. Our bespoke menus operate on a three-week rotation and there is always a vegetarian option for those who choose to go meat free. Our aim is to feed your child but also to educate them about healthy choices and responsible eating. For example, when sweet treats and puddings are available our aim is to use reduced sugar and healthy alternatives.

To give your child that energy boost they need to see them through to the end of the day they are offered a snack during afternoon break at 3.15pm. Our approach to food is to ensure that your child has the correct levels of energy to perform well inside and outside of the classroom throughout the day.

Logistics

The Prep School Day

  • 7.30am breakfast club (optional for day children £)
  • 8am Gates open
  • 8.20am Registration
  • 10.30 am Morning break
  • 12.40pm Lunch break
  • 3.35pm Afternoon break
  • 4.40pm school day ends
  • 4.40pm After school clubs (optional)
  • 5.50pm Clubs end
  • 5.30pm Prep (optional for day children £)
  • 6.30pm Supper (optional for day children £)
  • 7pm Boarders’ evening activities
  • 8pm Bedtime routine

Drop off

The gates at our Prep school open at 8am ready for the children to spill into their classrooms for 8.20am. Every day starts with 20 minutes of precious form time with your child’s class teacher to ensure they are set for the busy day ahead.

Our boarders enjoy a nourishing breakfast in our dining hall before the school day and our day children are invited to join them from 7.30am if they wish. We know how busy mornings can be so this option is valued by many families. Your child will be spoilt for choice for breakfast. There is always a hot option such as eggs on toast as well as cereal, porridge, yoghurt, toast and fresh fruit to kickstart their day.

After school

The school day finishes at 4.40pm but the fun doesn’t stop there. There is a full programme of after-school clubs which we actively encourage all children to take advantage of. There are four categories of clubs: physical, skill development, academic and artistic. We recommend your child tries one club from each group to fully benefit from our broad range of extra-curricular activities. Some of our clubs are run by our teachers who are passionate about a certain hobby, subject or sports and are free of charge. We also invite external professionals to run clubs such as LAMDA, Gymnastics and Golf, which do incur costs.

We offer Homework Club every day free of charge, so if there isn’t a new club your child wants to try and you need care for them after school they can stay with us until 5.30pm.

At 5.30pm our boarders head off to evening prep before heading into the Dining Hall for their homecooked supper at 6.30pm. Day children are invited to join boarders and can be collected as late as 7pm if family circumstances require it.

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What we’re up to…

We are so looking forward to Raising the Future, our conference exploring how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. We’ve got expert speakers who will be exploring bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve. • Insightful talks • Big ideas for future-ready learning • Meaningful conversations Last few tickets are available, head to the link in our bio. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool

We have some incredibly exciting news to share! We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026. This means the world to us, and it truly belongs to every single person in our community. Our wonderful staff, our brilliant pupils, and our incredibly supportive families have all played a part in making this possible. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We are so proud of everything we have achieved together. Tes for Teachers

We are beyond proud to share that we have been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026! 🏆✨ This recognition belongs to every single member of our incredible community: our dedicated staff, wonderful pupils, and supportive families. Thank you for making this possible. We couldn’t be more grateful. #TesAwards #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #SchoolOfTheYear #Surrey #WestSussex #Hampshire @tesmagazine @tesforteachers

This Sunday, our very own Vivienne Liddell Deputy Head (Pastoral) will be lacing up her trainers and taking on the London Marathon for the first time! Vivienne is running in support of our beloved Highreach programme. If you’d like to cheer Vivienne on from the sidelines, or from your sofa, please consider making a donation, however small. Every pound goes directly towards Highreach.

Our upcoming Art Exhibition promises a beautifully curated collection of artwork from a range of outstanding artists, all in support of the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund. Ticketed Preview Evening: Thursday 7th May, (7.30-9.30pm) Free entry: Friday 8th May (8.00am – 5.00pm) and Saturday 9th May 9.00am-4.00pm) A huge thank you to our event sponsors, Fever Tree, Fettle & Fork and Candover Brook. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #art #artexhibition

Our upcoming Art Exhibition promises a beautifully curated collection of artwork from a range of outstanding artists, all in support of the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund. Ticketed Preview Evening: Thursday 7th May, (7.30-9.30pm) Free entry: Friday 8th May (8.00am – 5.00pm) and Saturday 9th May 9.00am-4.00pm) A huge thank you to our event sponsors, @fevertreemixers , @fettle_and_fork and @candoverbrook. @georgeablakeyartist @samfairbairnart @vcfletcher @beatrice_james_artist #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #art #artexhibition

This is what learning looks like at Highfield and Brookham. No desks. No walls. Just the great outdoors and endless opportunities. #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #EarthDay2026 #ReadingInNature #PrimarySchool #ForestSchoolFun #NatureKids #OutdoorKids #LoveOutdoors EarthDay.org

This is what learning looks like at Highfield and Brookham. No desks. No walls. Just the great outdoors and endless opportunities. #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #EarthDay2026 #ReadingInNature #PrimarySchool #ForestSchoolFun #NatureKids #OutdoorKids #LoveOutdoors EarthDay.org

Spring is in full bloom at Highfield and Brookham! We feel incredibly fortunate to learn and grow in such beautiful surroundings. From blossom-lined paths to vibrant flower beds, our environment isn’t just a backdrop but part of the experience. Our grounds nurture not just a love of learning, but imagination, wellbeing and a sense of wonder. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #floral #spring #environment

🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌿 This morning, our Year 3 children swapped their classrooms for the canopy and headed out into the woods for a very special one-to-one reading session with their teachers. Today proved once again that the greatest classroom we have is the one outside. On Earth Day 2026, we want to take a moment to celebrate the green spaces we are so lucky to share in our community. Our aim is to educate children who care, who pick up litter, who respect the environment, and who simply pause to notice the world around them. EarthDay.org

As we welcome the children back, we’re so excited for a summer term of discovery, inspiration and the exceptional breadth of experiences that define a Highfield and Brookham education. What are you most looking forward to this term? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #summerterm

As we welcome the children back, we’re so excited for a summer term of discovery, inspiration and the exceptional breadth of experiences that define a Highfield and Brookham education. What are you most looking forward to this term? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #summerterm

The covers are on, the square is prepared and there’s a quiet sense of anticipation in the air… While the school is still, our staff are back and out on the pitch brushing up their skills (and shaking off a little winter rust!) ready for the cricket season ahead. We can’t wait to welcome the children back, brighter evenings, the sound of leather on willow and a summer of cricket awaits. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #cricket #prepschoolsport

The covers are on, the square is prepared and there’s a quiet sense of anticipation in the air… While the school is still, our staff are back and out on the pitch brushing up their skills (and shaking off a little winter rust!) ready for the cricket season ahead. We can’t wait to welcome the children back, brighter evenings, the sound of leather on willow and a summer of cricket awaits. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #cricket #prepschoolsport

Today our whole staff team, from Nursery to Year 8, came together for an incredible day of professional development with the brilliant Amjad Ali. Our teachers, TAs and leadership team spent the day deepening their skills in adaptive, quality teaching so our children get the very best in every single lesson. We know great schools are built on great people and we never stop learning. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TeacherCPD @trythisteaching

Today we were delighted to welcome the fantastic Amjad Ali to deliver a whole-school INSET day for our entire staff community; every teacher, teaching assistant, and member of our Senior Leadership Team, all the way from Nursery to Year 8. The focus of the day was adaptive, quality first teaching, making sure every child, in every classroom, gets the very best learning experience every single day. Our staff came away feeling inspired, energised and full of fresh ideas and the children will be reaping the benefits starting tomorrow.

Are you joining us for Raising the Future? This inspiring conference will explore how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. If you’d like to hear from expert speakers, explore bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve, then we still have one or two tickets left. Head to the link in our bio to reserve them. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool

Are you joining us for Raising the Future? This inspiring conference will explore how schools, parents and leaders can rethink education for the years ahead. If you’d like to hear from expert speakers, explore bold ideas and connect with others who believe education must evolve, then we still have one or two tickets left. Reserve yours now! ⬇️ #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership Bedales School

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. Head to our website via the link in our bio to find out more. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #babyswimming #toddlerswimming

Primary school places are announced today and thousands of families across the country will open emails or letters that bring a mix of emotions, relief, excitement, disappointment or uncertainty. If you are searching today for “not happy with primary school place offer”, “what to do if I didn’t get my first-choice school”, or “can I appeal a primary school place decision” you might find some useful information in our blog. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Primary school places are announced today and with that, thousands of families across the country will open emails or letters that bring a mix of emotions, relief, excitement, disappointment or uncertainty. If you are searching today for “not happy with primary school place offer”, “what to do if I didn’t get my first-choice school”, or “can I appeal a primary school place decision” you might find some useful information in our blog. Head to the link in our bio to find it. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #primaryschoolplaces

Bushcraft skills in action at our holiday club, confidence, teamwork and a little bit of campfire magic in the woods #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #Bushcraft #OutdoorLearning

There’s nothing quite like the moment a spark becomes a flame! At our Bushcraft Holiday Club, the children have been learning how to safely build and light the campfire. Activities like this really help develop confidence, teamwork and a real sense of achievement along the way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #Bushcraft #OutdoorLearning

With the excitement of the @themasters in the air, the young golfers on our Easter holiday golf camp have been stepping onto our course with plenty of enthusiasm of their own. The fantastic team from @liphookgc is delivering this fun and engaging course for children from beginner to intermediate level with activities tailored to each child’s individual ability and learning style. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #holidayclubs #SchoolHolidays #golf

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