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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…

Focused, ready and very excited! Our nursery class know that the best athletes start by being the best listeners, as Mr. Rodriquez leads their sports class warm up, a highlight of their week. #confidentcommunicators #IndependentSchool #Nursery #TogetherWeGrow #Sportsclass

Focused, ready and very excited! Our nursery class know that the best athletes start by being the best listeners, as Mr. Rodriquez leads their sports class warm up, a highlight of their week. #confidentcommunicators #IndependentSchool #Nursery #TogetherWeGrow #Sportsclass

Effective communication is very important especially when you are building a workspace big enough for you, your classmate and your laptops. Reception children demonstrated their strong communication skills by explaining their ideas, giving instructions and listening carefully to understand each other’s new and innovative construction ideas. #confidentcommunicators #IndependentSchool #Surrey #WestSussex #Hampshire #Reception #EssentialSkills

Our Nursery children are continually developing their communication skills. They understand that we speak for many different reasons, from sharing information and building relationships to expressing our emotions. There was certainly no doubt about their feelings this morning, as excited chatter and infectious giggles drifted beyond the gates while they lined up for forest school.

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

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