Business Details
Independent School in Preston Offering Excellence in Early Years and Primary Education
Highfield Priory School & Nursery has established itself as a leading independent preparatory school in the North West of England, consistently ranked among the top 100 independent prep schools in England. Since our founding, we have prioritised academic excellence, individualised learning, and holistic development, as evidenced by our placement in the top ten preparatory schools nationally for the past six years. Our purpose-built 'Barn' facility, launched in January 2025, provides state-of-the-art environments for early years education, while our Forest School programme fosters curiosity and resilience. With a dedicated team of educators, we deliver a curriculum that balances rigorous academic standards with creative expression, ensuring pupils develop the confidence and skills needed for future success.Our ISI Inspection Report (2023) highlights our strengths in nurturing individuality, achieving high attainment, and preparing students for grammar schools and beyond. Through small class sizes, specialist teaching in areas such as French and physical education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, we cultivate a supportive community where every child thrives. Our commitment to transparency, parental engagement, and continuous improvement is reflected in consistent positive feedback from families and exceptional 11+ placement rates.
Services
Nursery
Preschool
Forest School
Holiday Club
Extended Care
Dance Classes
Library Visits
French Lessons
Physical Education
Ballet Club
Highlights and features
- We have been ranked in the top 10 preparatory schools nationally for six consecutive years.
- Our purpose-built 'Barn' facility provides state-of-the-art nursery and preschool environments.
- We offer Forest School sessions twice weekly to develop resilience and curiosity.
- Our staff maintain an average tenure of over 10 years, ensuring continuity and expertise.
- We guarantee 11+ placements in local grammar schools, with a 98% success rate.
Associations and certifications
- Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
What people say
Best school
Supportive staff
Excellent facilities
Rapid progress
Loving environment
Services
Nursery
Our nursery provides a nurturing environment for children aged 2-4, combining structured learning with sensory play. The purpose-built 'Barn' features dedicated playrooms, a messy area, and outdoor spaces designed to stimulate curiosity. With a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio, we ensure individual attention while following the EYFS framework to develop communication, physical skills, and emotional resilience.
Preschool
The preschool programme prepares children aged 3-5 for formal schooling through a balanced curriculum of academic and creative activities. Specialist French and PE lessons, weekly library visits, and Forest School sessions twice weekly develop literacy, physical coordination, and environmental awareness. Small group rotations ensure personalised phonics instruction and name-writing practice in a supportive setting.
Forest School
Forest School sessions twice weekly teach practical skills while fostering confidence and teamwork. Children engage in activities like shelter-building, nature observation, and tool use under qualified instructors. This outdoor learning approach develops problem-solving abilities, physical dexterity, and environmental stewardship while aligning with curriculum goals for science and personal development.
Holiday Club
Our Holiday Club offers supervised activities during school breaks, including dance workshops with professional instructors and themed creative play. The programme maintains continuity with regular school values while providing recreational opportunities. Sessions run from 8:00-16:30 with flexible booking options for working parents, ensuring children remain engaged and socially connected during breaks.
Extended Care
Extended care provides early drop-off from 7:15 AM and late pickup until 6:00 PM, accommodating working families. The service includes breakfast provision, supervised homework time, and structured play activities. This flexibility ensures seamless integration with family schedules while maintaining the school's educational ethos beyond standard hours.
People
Mr Jeremy Duke
Headmaster
Mr Duke leads Highfield Priory with over 25 years' experience in independent education. He champions individualised learning and outdoor education, evidenced by the school's award-winning Forest School programme. His leadership has maintained the school's top national rankings while expanding facilities through the new 'Barn' development. He personally conducts school tours and oversees admissions.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children from age 2 into our nursery, with progression to preschool and primary education up to Year 6 (age 11).
How do you support transition to grammar schools?
Our curriculum specifically prepares students for 11+ exams, with specialist teaching and a 98% placement rate in local grammar schools.
What facilities are available for early years?
The purpose-built 'Barn' includes dedicated playrooms, a messy area, outdoor learning spaces, and Forest School access twice weekly.
Are there after-school activities?
Yes, we offer Holiday Club with dance workshops, extended care until 6:00 PM, and specialist clubs including ballet and French lessons.
What are your inspection results?
Our 2023 ISI Inspection rated us 'academically successful' with 'consistently high attainment' and 'excellent preparation for grammar schools'.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain open communication through regular updates, parent-teacher meetings, and opportunities to participate in school events and governance.
