Ages 
An aspirational prep fostering good principles from where pupils progress successfully to a wide range of big-name senior schools. Excellent facilities, and learning support is a strength. Dynamic new leadership promises exciting times ahead.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 412 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £17,025 - £32,175; Boarding £34,098- £40,725 pa
- Local authority
- West Sussex County Council
- Area guides
- School ownership
- Privately owned by the Mills Family
Headteacher
Head
Mrs Suzannah Cryer
Since 2022, Mrs Suzannah Cryer, previously head of drama then head of boarding at Highfield, later deputy head in charge of pastoral at Thomas's, Battersea. A former actress, she found her dream role working on the pastoral side of education and
Entrance
Non-selective. Children can start nursery aged two and stay until year 8. Formal assessment not required if joining later (a taster day and school reports are normally sufficient), but available places fluctuate.
- Open days
- Please visit our website for open day information
Exit
Vast majority stay for years 7 and 8 and go on to senior boarding schools. Seaford, Charterhouse, Marlborough and Cranleigh are the most popular destinations. Others to Benenden, Bryanston, Wellington, Eton, Canford, Winchester, Brighton College,
Latest results
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Junior boarding (years 3 to 5) provides a quiet, comfortable home with a protected feel, close to the centre of the school. The ‘steps to boarding’ programme (from two fixed nights a week) is available until year 7 and there are usually around 18
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review No mobile phones are allowed on site. Our international students are allowed to bring mobiles for the purposes of communication with their families, but these are kept locked away and used under supervision.
Pupils
Money matters
Costs in line with other (boarding) rivals and facilities compare well. Optional 7pm pick up is another plus, but costs extra. Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund offers ‘life-changing bursary support’ (100 per cent) to up to two children each
- Fee information
- Day £17,025 - £32,175; Boarding £34,098- £40,725 pa
Our view
Set back from the road, Highfield and Brookham has 175 acres to play with and a baffling array of car parks, so no shortage of spaces once you’ve found your way. Founded in 1892 (current site since 1904), Highfield School went co-ed in 1978 and
The last word
An aspirational prep fostering good principles from where pupils progress successfully to a wide range of big-name senior schools. Excellent facilities, and learning support is a strength. Dynamic new leadership promises exciting times ahead.
