Highfield and Brookham has been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year in the Tes Schools Awards 2026

Highfield and Brookham has been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year in this year's Tes Schools Awards, which celebrate the UK's most inspiring teachers and schools from both the state and independent sectors, following a record-breaking number of nominations.

Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, commented: "This year's shortlist showcases the exceptional standard of entries across the Tes Schools Awards, reflecting the breadth of impact being delivered in UK education. Each category highlights schools and individuals who are not only driving meaningful change within their own settings, but also setting a benchmark for the wider sector. The Tes Schools Awards are designed to recognise and elevate this work, celebrating those making a measurable difference to pupils, staff and communities across the UK – and with a record number of nominations received this year, it clearly reinforces the strength and impact being delivered across the UK education sector."

The Hampshire co-educational prep school, which serves children from Nursery through Year 8, was recognised for its whole-school curriculum transformation built on the belief that academic excellence and essential life skills are most powerful when deliberately and structurally linked.

At the heart of the school's approach is the Essential Skills Framework, which develops eight core skills, including leadership, problem-solving, creativity and resilience, through carefully scaffolded steps running through every lesson, subject and co-curricular activity. Sitting alongside this is the Highfield Keys Diploma, a skills passport that pupils build themselves from Nursery to Year 8 and use to support senior school applications and interviews.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of expert judges, including experienced school leaders and education specialists.

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield and Brookham, said: "The Tes Schools Awards are one of the most prestigious celebrations of excellence in education, and to be shortlisted is something we are all enormously proud of. This recognition reflects our whole-school commitment to a curriculum where skills and knowledge are taught together, embedded in every part of school life. A heartfelt thank you to our whole school community for making this possible."

Since 2009, the Tes Schools Awards have celebrated the achievements of school staff and institutions across the UK. They bring together state and independent schools from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in one inclusive national event. This year's awards feature 23 categories and are supported by Cloud Technology Partner Amazon Web Services.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 19th June at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, hosted by award-winning comedian and presenter Katherine Ryan.

View the full shortlist at www.tes.com/schools-awards/uk