A thriving independent school in Liphook has been deemed ‘excellent’ in all areas.

The praise for Highfield and Brookham Schools follows a review by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, with the school passing regulatory compliance and educational quality inspections.

The inspectors drilled deep into the workings of the pre-prep and prep schools, including early years provision, observing lessons, talking to pupils and teachers, examining examples of children’s work, and sampling the school’s extra-curricular offerings. The inspection team also surveyed parents, staff and pupils via pre-inspection questionnaires.

Both schools were praised for their support and encouragement of children with special educational needs and disabilities and those with English as an additional language.

Highfield head Suzannah Cryer said: “We are all incredibly proud of this glowing report from the inspectors. Our pupils and staff work hard each and every day to make our school such an incredible place to live, learn and work and the findings of the inspectors really are testament to that.”

Sophie Baber, head of pre-prep, said: “It’s a wonderful report but the hard work doesn’t stop here. We are always challenging ourselves to find ways in which we can improve to make the educational journey for our children as rich and rewarding as possible.”