Business Details
Your Trusted Independent School 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 seven decades 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 individualised attention through small class sizes and a curriculum enriched with extracurricular activities such as Forest School, Speech and Drama, and competitive sports. Recognised for outstanding academic results, we prepare pupils for seamless transitions to senior schools, with many securing scholarships annually. Our 14-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a sports hall, library, and outdoor learning spaces, creating an immersive educational experience.As a registered charity, we uphold a commitment to community and inclusivity, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds. Parental involvement is encouraged through our active Friends and Family association, which enhances school life through fundraising and events. Our holistic approach cultivates confident, well-rounded individuals equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world. With a proven track record in ISI inspections and multiple awards, including Employer of the Year, we maintain our position as a leading independent school in Nottinghamshire. Our flexible admissions policy accommodates mid-year entries, ensuring every child can benefit from our supportive learning environment. Through continuous investment in staff development and facilities, we remain at the forefront of primary education, championing curiosity and realising potential.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-Prep Education
The Arts Programme
Wraparound Care
Forest School
Speech and Drama
Sports Coaching
After School Clubs
11+ Exam Preparation
Scholarship Support
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes for personalised attention and academic excellence.
- Our curriculum integrates Forest School and performing arts for holistic development.
- Award-winning staff with decades of experience in primary education.
- 14-acre campus featuring sports facilities, library, and outdoor learning spaces.
- Proven success in 11+ and common entrance exam preparation with scholarship wins.
Associations and certifications
- Independent Schools Inspectorate
What people say
Excellent academic achievement
Strong sense of community
Holistic development focus
Supportive learning environment
Award-winning staff
Services
Day Nursery
Our nursery provides childcare from age 2 with structured learning and play. Sessions include foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills development through interactive activities. Children benefit from experienced staff and purpose-built facilities supporting early independence and curiosity-driven learning.
Pre-Prep Education
Reception classes focus on transition to formal education with play-based learning. Curriculum covers core subjects alongside creative arts and physical development. Small classes ensure individual attention, building confidence and foundational academic skills for future learning.
Forest School
Weekly outdoor sessions develop resilience and environmental awareness. Activities include bushcraft, team challenges, and nature exploration in our 14-acre grounds. Qualified instructors guide experiential learning that complements classroom teaching and nurtures personal growth.
11+ Exam Preparation
Specialised tutoring for grammar school entrance exams. Experienced teachers deliver targeted maths, English, and reasoning instruction. Pastoral support ensures stress-free preparation with 90% of leavers securing first-choice senior school placements.
Wraparound Care
Flexible childcare from 7:30am to 6pm daily. Includes breakfast club, supervised homework, and after-school activities. Tax-free childcare available with structured programmes balancing recreation and academic support during term time.
People
Mrs Sarah H Lyons
Headteacher
BEd (Hons) Primary (Early Years) specialist with 25+ years leadership experience. Champion of holistic education and child-centred learning. Led ISI inspection success and curriculum innovation at Highfields since 2018.
Questions
Can my child join Highfields at any age?
Children can join from age 2 (minimum two sessions weekly) up to Year 6, with flexible mid-term admissions available.
What payment options exist for school fees?
Fees can be paid monthly without additional charges, with tax-free childcare accepted for wraparound care.
Do pupils transition to independent schools only?
We support applications to independent, grammar, and local state schools with free 11+ and common entrance preparation.
Is the nursery exclusively for future main school pupils?
No, our nursery accepts external children with 50% progressing to other schools after age 5.
How can parents get involved?
Our Friends and Family association organises events, fundraises for enrichment activities, and runs a second-hand uniform shop.
Reviews (7)
Amelia Newbold
Sep 15, 2019
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A wonderful school providing high quality education and fantastic opportunities for children to experience a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. Staff go the extra mile to help every child fulfil their potential and our two children have not looked back since they joined the school 5 years ago.
Natalie Hickinbottom
Aug 03, 2019
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My three children are thriving at Highfields. They are not only provided with an excellent education but also enjoy the enriched curriculum. Most importantly for me, they are surrounded with people who care about them, help their confidence to grow and celebrate their ideas.
Efeturi Emeledor
Jun 06, 2019
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It's a lovely school and family oriented. Both my boys love it and have been there for the past 4yrs. We had a smooth transition from nursery to primary school. They look forward to school everyday
Joy Gosney
Jan 21, 2019
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Highfields always provides a happy and nurturing environment where my son has thrived for 6 years. Exceptional teachers work to the strengths of each child and bring out the best in every pupil.The individual attention my son receives is second to none. Very lucky to have this school on our doorstep.
Efeturi Uwheraka-Emeledor
Jan 11, 2019
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My kids love spending time in school. The past 4years has been lovely. they are growing to be fine young men with wonderful support from all member of staff.
Sarah Coen
Dec 24, 2018
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Amazing place! my son loves it here. Children leave well prepared for senior school and are happy, confident individuals
Charlotte Lightfoot
Dec 11, 2018
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A superb prep school offering excellent education in a nurturing environment. In our ninth year at Highfields, we continue to be thrilled with all that the school offers. In particular the confidence, independence and morals required by our children to move onto the next stage of education.
