We are delighted to announce a major investment programme for Highclare School.
Over the next eighteen months, Highclare Preparatory School will consolidate on the St Paul’s site on Lichfield Road, through a carefully planned and child-centred transition.
Central to the plans is a significant seven-figure investment in our Lichfield Road site. This programme will include new and upgraded learning spaces, improvements to infrastructure, enhancements to outdoor areas and facilities designed to support both academic excellence and pupil wellbeing.
The Senior School and Sixth Form, Sutton Road campus will also benefit from investment in infrastructure, technology for learning and improvements to the site.
We would be delighted to welcome you to our Senior School open day on Friday 6 March 2026 or for a bespoke tour at Highclare: St Paul’s at any time. To book either of these please contact our admissions department here.
To read more about our investment plans and timeline, please see the brochure below:
FAQs relating to the next chapter of Highclare School
Governors have spent over a year undertaking careful, forward-looking planning to invest in the long-term future of the Highclare family of schools in a changing educational landscape. Rising costs, demographic change and the inefficiency of operating across three sites made it clear that a more sustainable structure was needed to protect and enhance children’s experience.
St Paul’s offers the strongest foundation for a modern preparatory school, specialist teaching spaces, dedicated dining and assembly/performance areas, and extensive outdoor and woodland space. This allows Highclare to invest a seven-figure sum with ambition and provide consistent access to excellent facilities for all pupils.
Governors considered a wide range of alternatives, including further efficiencies, different staffing models and investment at Highclare: Woodfield. However, declining pupil numbers, very small class sizes in some year groups and the physical constraints of the Woodfield site meant consolidation was the most responsible option educationally and financially.
Reducing duplicated overheads allows more direct investment in teaching, facilities, enrichment and pastoral care. Pupils will benefit from broader friendship groups, richer co-curricular opportunities and access to improved facilities within one vibrant preparatory school community.
The curriculum and pastoral approach are already aligned across both preparatory schools. The transition has been carefully phased to ensure continuity in learning, routines and support. Children will experience the change as a move of location, not a change in educational quality or care.
Governors recognise the strong sense of identity and community at Highclare: Woodfield. The move will take place gradually over around 18 months, with familiar staff moving with pupils wherever possible. Transition visits, taster days and buddy systems will help children feel comfortable and welcomed.
Class sizes will remain small, with an ideal maximum of 22 pupils. Where year groups are brought together during the transition, they will be structured as two classes rather than one larger group. Growth will be carefully managed using existing space and a small number of discreet, high-quality temporary classrooms.
The transition will take place over approximately 18 months:
- From September 2026: Cygnets to Year 3 based at Highclare: St Paul’s
- Academic year 2026–27: Years 4–6 remain at Highclare: Woodfield
- From September 2027: Years 4–6 move to Highclare: St Paul’s
Families will receive clear timelines, meeting dates and opportunities for individual conversations.
The school understands that some families may have children on different sites during the transition. These situations will be discussed individually, with families supported to find practical, workable solutions. Transport, drop-off arrangements and daily logistics will form part of these conversations.
Parents will be given time and guidance to talk to their children first. Staff will then support pupils in an age-appropriate, reassuring way, focusing on continuity, friendships and the positive opportunities ahead. Children will be prepared gradually, with wellbeing at the centre of all planning.
The intention is to preserve continuity wherever possible, with staff moving with pupils. While some roles may change as duplication reduces, any necessary redundancy processes will be handled transparently, compassionately and in line with best practice. Supporting staff is recognised as essential to supporting children.
This decision is about strengthening the Highclare family of schools for the long term. One thriving, well-resourced preparatory school allows for meaningful investment, a confident educational offer and a strong pathway into the Senior School. Governors believe this approach best serves current pupils and future generations.
