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…
Moving Up Day has arrived! From meeting new teachers and friends to exploring different classrooms, there was plenty of excitement as our children spent the day in their new year groups. Looking ahead to September, children reflected on the qualities, strengths and interests that make them who they are and the part they will play in their classes. It was also a pleasure to welcome new families and boarders to the Highfield community! Roll on September 🙌🏼 #MovingUpDay #NewBeginnings #IndependentSchool #GrowingTogether #Belonging
Warning: Year 3 Spanish food tasting may result in strong opinions, adventurous taste buds and lots of enthusiastic chatter! After spending the term learning how to express their likes and dislikes, our Year 3s put their language skills to the test with a selection of Spanish foods. A wonderful opportunity for them to bring their learning to life, exploring new flavours together and discussing their tastes and preferences, all while deepening their understanding of a different culture 🇪🇸
Warning: Year 3 Spanish food tasting may result in strong opinions, adventurous taste buds and lots of enthusiastic chatter! After spending the term learning how to express their likes and dislikes, our Year 3s put their language skills to the test with a selection of Spanish foods. A wonderful opportunity for them to bring their learning to life, exploring new flavours together and discussing their tastes and preferences, all while deepening their understanding of a different culture 🇪🇸
Nothing could stop our students this Sports Day! We loved seeing them so invested in each other’s success, celebrating achievements so enthusiastically and showing just how much they value one another! A wonderful reflection of the collaborative spirit that makes our school community special. Sports day 2026, over and out!🏅 #IndependentSchool #SportsDay #Collaboration #Leadership #TeamSpirit
Today we marked Windrush Day, recognising the contributions and lasting legacy of the Windrush generation. Our Year 5 children embraced the occasion by dressing in bright, vibrant colours, bringing a wonderful sense of joy across the school. We also enjoyed a fantastic Caribbean-inspired lunch, thoughtfully prepared by our catering team. Learning about the experiences and contributions of others helps our students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and an appreciation of the diverse communities they are part of. These opportunities encourage them to learn from others, an important skill in building strong communities and future leaders.
🎶 Happy World Music Day! 🎶 “You’re as good as the person next to you” is an ethos that shapes many of the musical experiences we offer at Highfield. There’s something special about making music alongside people who challenge and inspire you. That’s why we place such value on opportunities for our students to collaborate with other ensembles and professional musicians. Here’s a look back at our Family Film Music Concert at @stalbanshindhead, where the Highfield Orchestra joined Meridian Winds Concert Band for a performance of We Don’t Talk About Bruno, conducted by Marc Yarrow. #WorldMusicDay #WorldMusicDay2026 #FeteDelaMusique #MakeMusicDay #PrepSchool #MusicForAll
🎶 Happy World Music Day! 🎶 “You’re as good as the person next to you” is an ethos that shapes many of the musical experiences we offer at Highfield. There’s something special about making music alongside people who challenge and inspire you. That’s why we place such value on opportunities for our students to collaborate with other ensembles and professional musicians. Here’s a look back at our Family Film Music Concert at St. Alban’s Church, Hindhead, where the Highfield Orchestra joined Meridian Winds Concert Band for a performance of We Don’t Talk About Bruno, conducted by Marc Yarrow. #WorldMusicDay #WorldMusicDay2026 #FeteDelaMusique #MakeMusicDay #PrepSchool #MusicForAll
That’s a wrap on 3 of our 4 Sports Days with Middle and Upper Prep taking to the field tomorrow! It’s been an incredible few days filled with energy, determination, and outstanding team spirit. From exciting races to unforgettable moments of sportsmanship, our children have truly shone showing resilience, confidence, and pride in every event. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff, coaches and supportive families for making these days so special. Your encouragement means everything to our children. We can’t wait to round things off with one final day of celebration tomorrow! #SportsDay2026 #PrepSchool #ParentCommunity #HampshireLife
This summer, Highfield and Brookham parent, Clare, is taking on the incredible challenge of the Verbier Marathon to raise funds for our Centenary Bursaries Fund. What makes this even more special is Clare’s deeply personal connection. Her own father benefitted from a bursary during his education, an opportunity that shaped his life. Now, as a parent of two children at Highfield, Clare is determined to help give that same life-changing chance to others. Read more and find out how to support Clare’s incredible efforts ➡
Our Year 8 students recently returned from Pembrokeshire with plenty of stories to to share! The value of a residential trip is not always found in the activities themselves, but in the moments that surround them. The conversations on the coach, the encouragement before trying something new and the stories shared at the end of the day all play a part in helping young people grow in confidence and develop as communicators. A huge thank you to the staff who accompanied the trip and helped make it such a memorable experience for everyone involved. 💛
There’s nothing quite like feeling the grass beneath your feet! 🌿 Our Nursery children took part in Sports Day barefoot this morning, enjoying all the benefits that barefoot movement brings. From building strength and confidence to supporting balance coordination and a connection with nature, going barefoot encourages children to move freely! Well done Nursery for taking the grassy feet, slips and slides all in your stride! 👏🏽 #IndependentSchool #SportsDay #EarlyYears #ChildDevelopment #OutdoorLearning
To mark Drowning Prevention Week, our students have been learning about water safety, recognising potential risks and exploring ways to stay safe in and around water. An important part of water safety is knowing how to communicate with others. Whether it’s calling for help, explaining an emergency, following instructions or alerting an adult if someone is in difficulty, strong communication skills can play an important role in keeping us and others safe. By helping our children develop these skills from an early age, we hope to give them the confidence to enjoy the water safely and know how to respond in different situations. 🏊♂️
How often do we zip up our child’s coat, carry their bag or tie their shoelace because it’s quicker to do it ourselves? In our latest blog, Georgie Hunter, Head of Pre-Prep and EYFS, reflects on the small everyday moments that help children develop independence, confidence and readiness for school. With September on the horizon, Georgie shares practical advice for families preparing for Reception and explains why the smallest acts of independence can make the biggest difference when children make this important transition. 🔗 Read the full blog here:
What do Year 8s need for a week in Wales? A sense of adventure. A willingness to step outside their comfort zone. Plenty of resilience. And, judging by some of their bags… an impressive quantity of snacks! Our students embraced every opportunity, from coasteering and kayaking to boat trips and mini Olympics. For the particularly brave, there was even the chance to get up close to giant insects at the Bug Farm! The snacks may not have made it home, but the memories, friendships and personal growth certainly will 💛 #IndependentSchool #Year8 #ConfidentCommunicators #Pembrokeshire #SchoolTrip
24 hours of stage setup in 30 seconds… As rehearsals get underway for our Year 8 end-of-year Shrek production, students are finally stepping onto the stage they have been working towards for months. One of the things we value most about school productions is the growth that happens before the performance itself. Rehearsals give students the opportunity to become more assured in themselves, learning how to communicate meaning through expression and connect with an audience. These aren’t just skills for the stage, but an important part of helping young people express themselves clearly and be heard in all areas of school life. We can’t wait to see it all come together. 🎭
This afternoon, we were delighted to welcome families to our Confirmation Service, followed by tea together in the dining hall. Confirmation is an important milestone, offering students the opportunity to reflect on their journey and publicly affirm their faith in the presence of family, friends and the wider school community. Moments like these help young people develop the confidence to express their beliefs and speak with sincerity about the values that matter to them. Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this special occasion!
🎥 Something special is coming… This week, cameras have been rolling across the school as we capture the next chapter in the Highfield story. A story rooted in our past, shaped by our present and united by one future. More to be revealed soon! #OneHighfield #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Filming
Swim hats on, goggles at the ready! Our families filled the poolside as Year 2 proudly showcased their swimming skills at this year’s Swim Gala. They embraced the challenge of swimming in front of a crowd and showed great resilience, pushing themselves to the finish in every race. Well done, Year 2! 🏊♂️ #IndependentSchool #PrePrep #SwimmingGala #Courage #Resilience
🚜 Yesterday, our Nursery children took on their biggest adventure yet with a trip to Manor Farm in Southampton, including an hour-long coach journey! For many, this was a brand-new experience and they showed incredible courage from the moment they stepped onto the coach. At the farm, the children fed pigs and chickens, met guinea pigs up close and learned all about caring for animals. They even stepped into the role of farmers for the afternoon, and for a few hours Manor Farm had some very enthusiastic new farmers on its hands! The children represented the school brilliantly and we couldn’t be prouder of them. Judging by the naps on the way home, they had a fantastic time!
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!