Friday 13th February 2026

News from Upper Prep

It has been another wonderfully busy and productive week in Upper Prep. The week started well with a careers talk from Mrs Kindersley and Mr Lewer, which the children found very interesting. The children have worked incredibly hard across all areas of the curriculum and should be very proud of their efforts. That said, there is certainly a sense that a well-earned half term break is just around the corner!

Our Year 8 pupils have been preparing thoughtfully for their upcoming Lenten Appeal assembly on Thursday 26th February. Working collaboratively in small groups, they have each selected a charity and created persuasive presentations explaining why their chosen cause should become our school charity for the year. I have been impressed by both the depth of their research and the passion with which they are championing their charities.

The Year 7 children have continued to shine on the sports field. Their recent hockey fixtures against Cranleigh were thoroughly enjoyed, and it has been particularly heartening to see so many of them making the most of the astro at break times. The football matches have been full of energy, teamwork and good humour – and even more so when younger pupils are warmly invited to join in. The sense of camaraderie and friendship across year groups is a real strength of Upper Prep.

Creativity has also been flourishing. All of Upper Prep have submitted imaginative and thoughtful entries to the Rotary Creative Writing Competition, and I have been genuinely impressed by the originality and quality of their work. We certainly have some talented writers at Barrow Hills.

News from Prep

News from Pre-Prep

Grandparents’ Afternoon is always a highlight of our school calendar and this year was no exception. We were delighted to welcome our visitors, including residents from Bramshott Grange Residential Home in Liphook. The children were excited to show off what they’ve been learning to someone who means so much to them. For our grandparents, it was a wonderful chance for them to see our school up close and witness some of their grandchildren’s everyday experiences. Most of all, memories were made during an afternoon which celebrated the special bond between generations.

Earlier in the week, Year 1 took their Science learning to the senior science lab to further investigate different states of matter. The children impressed our Head of Science, Mr Behan, with their knowledge and the experiments prompted some well thought questioning. 

Congratulations to Leo (Kindy), Evie (Rec), Hugo (Year 1) and Sophie (Year 2) who were presented with Work of the Week certificates in this morning’s assembly. As we reach half term, we were proud to present the Pre-Prep Playtime Award to Ariella (Year 1). Ariella brings kindness and enthusiasm to every game and activity in our garden, making others feel included. Well done Ariella.

After half term we have an Usborne book sale on Tuesday 24th February in the ballet studio. All Pre-Prep children and their parents are warmly invited to visit the book sale after the school day, while Year 2 can bring in money to spend at the sale in a sealed envelope which they can hand in to their class teacher when they arrive on Tuesday morning.   

Have a super half term break. See you on Tuesday 24th February.
Mrs Barnett