Extra-curricular Excellence
At Highfield, education extends far beyond the classroom. We believe some of life’s most important lessons are learned on the stage, on the sports field, in the music practice room, through outdoor adventure and by discovering new passions alongside friends.
Our exceptional programme of clubs, activities and specialist tuition is designed to ensure every child finds opportunities to challenge themselves, develop confidence and uncover talents they may never have realised they possessed. Whether learning a musical instrument, representing the school in sport, performing in a LAMDA examination, mastering a new skill or simply trying something completely different, every experience helps children grow as individuals.
With outstanding facilities, dedicated specialist staff and the advantages of a boarding school environment, Highfield offers a breadth of opportunities rarely found elsewhere. We encourage every child to embrace these experiences, broaden their horizons and develop the qualities that underpin future success.
Participation in our extensive extra-curricular programme helps cultivate confidence, resilience, independence, leadership and teamwork. These experiences not only complement academic achievement but also play a vital role in wellbeing and happiness, enabling children to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
At Highfield, we are committed to developing well-rounded young people who are curious, courageous and ready to make the most of every opportunity. That is why extra-curricular it is an essential part of school life.
After School Clubs
Participating in extra-curricular clubs allows children to explore new interests, develop new skills and become confident, well-rounded individuals. Clubs are booked termly and include a vast range of activities, from gardening, orienteering and sewing to gymnastics, choir, Airfix, jewellery making and touch typing. With activities running throughout the week, including a number of popular lunchtime clubs, there is something to inspire every child.
One of the many benefits of Highfield’s boarding environment is the breadth of opportunities available to all pupils, including day children. As staff are already on site beyond the school day, many clubs are offered free of charge, providing exceptional value and access to enriching experiences that many local schools simply cannot match. Some specialist clubs, such as ballet, karate and golf, or those requiring materials such as cookery, incur a modest additional charge.
Clubs run from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, and from 4.40pm to 5.20pm for children in Year 4 and above. They provide valuable enrichment and social opportunities while also supporting working families. Additional after-school care is available until 6.30pm for those who require it.
LAMDA Tuition
If performing is a passion, your child will have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular LAMDA lessons. These weekly lessons help further develop children’s vocal clarity and performing skills and are extremely popular with more than 120 children at Highfield taking LAMDA lessons each year. Excellent LAMDA teachers work closely alongside the school’s drama department. To manage this capacity Highfield School employs three specialist LAMDA teachers. Every LAMDA teacher is, or has been, a working professional actor with credits across screen, theatre, voiceover and motion capture. We know we do this well as we achieved a 100% distinction rate in a recent set of LAMDA exams. Parents are invited to a showcase every year to witness the incredible progress of their children.
Music Lessons
In addition to their timetabled music lessons, your child can decide to learn a musical instrument. These extra-curricular lessons are taught by selected specialist visiting music teachers. We currently offer children the opportunity to learn 12 different instruments, including guitar, piano, clarinet, flute, drums and voice. Your child can opt to formalise their musical education by taking ABRSM exams. In our 2026 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations we recorded a 100% pass rate, with grades ranging from Initial to Grade 6. Of the eighteen pupils entered, 50% achieved Distinction and a further 44% were awarded Merit, reflecting both pupils’ commitment and the expertise of the school’s specialist music teachers. Parents are regularly invited to informal concerts, as well as formal ones, as well as Open Music Lessons to observe and enjoy their child’s musical capabilities.
Tennis
Tennis is a thriving and highly regarded part of sport at Highfield, offering pupils the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game from an early age. With lessons available from Nursery through to Year 8, children of all abilities can benefit from expert coaching in a supportive and encouraging environment.
A wide range of coaching options ensures that every pupil can progress at a pace that suits them. Individual lessons, small group sessions and larger group coaching are available throughout the week, allowing players to receive personalised instruction while developing the tactical awareness, technique and resilience that are essential to success on court.
The programme reflects Highfield’s commitment to providing high-quality sporting experiences that help pupils develop not only athletic ability but also important life skills such as perseverance, discipline and teamwork.
For those with a competitive edge, Highfield offers tennis teams for pupils in Years 6 to 8. Following a selection process in the autumn term, teams train regularly and represent the school in fixtures during the summer term. These opportunities allow talented players to experience the excitement of competition, develop match-play skills and take pride in representing the school.