Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Years and Primary Education in Newark-on-Trent
At Highfields School, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing environment where academic excellence and personal development are equally prioritised. Established over 75 years ago, our institution has built a legacy of delivering tailored education for children aged 2 to 11, combining traditional values with innovative teaching methods. Our dedicated team of educators ensures each child receives individual attention through small class sizes, supported by a curriculum enriched with extracurricular activities such as Forest School, Speech and Drama, and competitive sports. Recognised for outstanding academic results and holistic growth, we prepare pupils for successful transitions to senior schools while cultivating essential life skills.With state-of-the-art facilities set across 14 acres of parkland, including purpose-built classrooms and a multi-purpose hall, we provide an inspiring space for learning and exploration. Our commitment to pastoral care ensures every child feels valued, fostering confidence and respect within a strong community ethos. As a registered charity, we maintain transparency and accountability in all our operations, consistently achieving high standards validated by recent ISI inspections. Choosing Highfields means joining a family-oriented institution where tradition meets future-ready education.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-Prep Education
Prep School
The Arts
Sport/PE
Wraparound Care
After School Clubs
Forest School
Speech and Drama
Music Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We offer 75 years of expertise in nurturing academic and personal growth.
- Our small class sizes ensure individualised attention for every child.
- Curriculum enriched with Forest School, sports, and performing arts.
- Consistently rated 'excellent' for academic achievement and personal development.
- Supportive family-oriented community with strong pastoral care.
Associations and certifications
- Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
What people say
Excellent academic achievement
Strong pastoral care
Holistic development
Supportive community
Outstanding facilities
Services
Day Nursery
Our Day Nursery provides a stimulating environment for children aged 2 and above, focusing on foundational learning through play and structured activities. With qualified staff and a curriculum aligned to EYFS standards, we ensure seamless transitions to Reception. Parents benefit from flexible session options and eligibility for government-funded hours.
Pre-Prep Education
Tailored for Reception to Year 2 pupils, our Pre-Prep programme combines literacy, numeracy, and creative subjects with specialist teaching in music, PE, and languages. Small class sizes enable personalised progress tracking, fostering confidence and a love of learning in a nurturing setting.
Prep School
For Years 3 to 6, our Prep School delivers a rigorous curriculum preparing pupils for 11+ and Common Entrance exams. Emphasis on critical thinking, leadership opportunities, and subject-specific expertise ensures students gain placements at top senior schools, including grammar and independent institutions.
Forest School
Forest School sessions develop resilience and teamwork through hands-on outdoor activities. Children engage in bushcraft, environmental exploration, and nature-based projects in our dedicated woodland area, enhancing both practical skills and mental well-being.
Wraparound Care
Available from 7:30am to 6:00pm during term time, our Wraparound Care includes supervised breakfast, lunch, and after-school activities. The service supports working families while providing a safe, engaging environment for children to relax and socialise outside core school hours.
People
Mrs Sarah H Lyons
Headteacher
With a BEd in Primary (Early Years) education, Mrs Lyons leads Highfields with a focus on individualised learning and pastoral care. Her vision prioritises holistic development, building on the school's 75-year heritage to create a future-ready educational environment.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We accept children from age 2 into our Day Nursery up to Year 6 (age 11) in our Prep School.
Are school fees payable monthly?
Yes, fees can be spread across 12 months with no additional charges, and tax-free childcare is accepted for wraparound care.
Do you support 11+ exam preparation?
All pupils receive free 11+ and Common Entrance preparation, with a strong track record of placements at grammar and independent senior schools.
Can non-uniformed children join nursery?
Nursery children don't require uniform, but must attend minimum two sessions weekly to ensure proper integration and settling.
Are there after-school activities available?
We offer a wide range of after-school clubs including sports, arts, and academic enrichment, operating until 6:00pm daily.
How can parents get involved?
Our Friends and Family of Highfields (FFH) association organises events and fundraising, with opportunities for volunteering and uniform exchanges.
