The foundational licence for Brentwood School was granted by Queen Mary I in 1558, making it one of England's oldest continuously operating schools. Sir Antony Browne, the Lord Chief Justice, is believed to have founded the school as an act of contrition following a difficult period in the town's history. Today, the school occupies 75 acres in central Brentwood, Essex, serving roughly 1,850 pupils from age 3 through 18. The Diamond Model structure separates boys and girls from ages 11 to 16 while keeping the preparatory school and sixth form co-educational. Leadership under Michael Bond, who took the helm in September 2019, continues a tradition of rigorous academic standards alongside genuine pastoral care. Fees range from £29,112 annually for senior day pupils to £56,358 for full boarders. Recent results place the school in the top 7% in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and demonstrate sustained academic excellence across all phases.
Brentwood School, Brentwood in Brentwood, Brentwood has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The Victorian chapel stands as a focal point, alongside the Grade II listed Tudor schoolroom from 1568. Yet these historic structures share space with modern facilities added over the past decade, including the refurbished Preparatory School buildings completed in 2020 and the Bean Learning Resource Centre, which transformed traditional library functions into dynamic academic hubs. The 75-acre site provides room for both scholarly reflection and athletic pursuit, with playing fields visible from nearly every building.
The school's ethos, shaped by founding values of Virtue, Learning, and Manners dating to 1622, remains actively visible in daily life. Staff and pupils seem to embody a commitment to individual development alongside collective responsibility. The atmosphere balances high academic expectations with genuine support for those struggling. Boys and girls are taught separately from Year 7 to Year 11, a deliberate choice the school argues fosters freedom of expression and individual identity in the classroom while maintaining social integration beyond it through joint activities and mixed-gender sixth form experiences.
Michael Bond's leadership, now in its fifth year, has brought particular emphasis to teaching innovation and staff wellbeing. Previous heads have stewarded significant physical development of the campus. The school's 1957 celebration of its 400th anniversary coincided with a royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II, who opened the science department (now The Queens Building). More recently, the Earl of Wessex attended the 2012 opening of the sixth form centre, which features a 400-seat auditorium bearing his title. These moments reflect the school's prominence locally and its integration into civic life.
In the 2024 examination cycle, 57% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A under the previous scale). The school achieved 37% grades 9-8 and 19% grades 7. These figures place Brentwood at 324th in the national GCSE rankings (FindMySchool data), positioning it firmly in the top 7% of schools in England and at first place locally in Brentwood. When combined with A-level performance, Brentwood's composite ranking improves further to 251st in England, demonstrating strength across both qualifications.
The school offers 28 GCSE subjects, allowing students to construct individualised curricula with a balance suitable for sixth form entry and university progression. Strong uptake in traditional academic subjects (Latin, Greek, separate sciences) indicates the curriculum's academic orientation, though breadth ensures access for students with diverse interests. The 2022 ISI inspection confirmed that GCSE and A-level results from 2019 onwards demonstrate teaching effectiveness in enabling pupils to make good progress from their starting points.
At A-level, 78% of candidates achieved grades A*-B in 2024. The percentage achieving A*/A stands at 47%. The school offered 26 A-level subjects in the 2024-25 academic year, alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma and BTEC qualifications in Sport and Business. This range allows students pursuing different university pathways to remain at Brentwood rather than transferring to specialist institutions.
The school ranks 269th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool data), placing it in the top 10% of schools and again first locally. This consistency of performance from GCSE through to A-level is notable; many schools see variation as students self-select or transfer. Brentwood's ability to retain high-achieving students through both phases speaks to the strength of senior school provision and the integration of sixth form within the school community.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
77.89%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
56.95%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum spans from the IB Primary Years Programme in the prep school to A-levels, the IB Diploma, and BTEC in the sixth form. This breadth allows families to choose an alternative pathway aligned with their aspirations and child's learning style. The school does not impose a single route to university or employment.
At Brentwood School, Brentwood, teaching is characterised by subject expertise and high expectations. Class sizes remain manageable, with prep school classes averaging 20 and senior school teaching respecting careful timetabling. The school emphasises not just knowledge acquisition but the development of independent thinking. Practical engagement is encouraged across subjects. Science teaching benefits from dedicated lab spaces. Languages are taught by specialists. The recently completed preparatory school redevelopment added specialist teaching spaces alongside general classrooms, allowing art, design, and technology to function in properly resourced environments.
The school places particular emphasis on enrichment beyond the formal curriculum. Academic societies, lecture programmes, and field days expose students to knowledge beyond their immediate studies. Sixth formers participate in timetabled enrichment activities through Tuesday morning lessons. The school's examination success suggests that this balance between breadth and depth works effectively, though students should expect intellectual rigour rather than relaxation.
For students with additional learning needs, the school employs dedicated learning support staff and coordinates with external specialists. The 2022 inspection noted provision for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism. English as an Additional Language support is available, reflecting the international makeup of both day and boarding communities.
In Brentwood, Brentwood, university progression in 2024 was 73% for sixth form leavers at Brentwood School, Brentwood. A further 6% entered apprenticeships, 11% secured employment, and 2% pursued further education. Three students secured places at Cambridge, with the school recording 25 Oxbridge applications. Beyond Oxbridge, the school regularly places pupils at Russell Group universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, and Imperial College. Specific destinations vary by year, but the pattern reflects the school's academic credentials and university preparation.
The school provides structured careers guidance through upper-level teaching and dedicated enrichment. Work experience placements, university visits, and subject-based career conversations help students clarify aspirations early. Sixth form pastoral staff support applications and interview preparation. The breadth of A-level subjects means that students pursuing competitive courses such as medicine find appropriate preparation, while those interested in humanities, arts, and social sciences equally find rigorous teaching in their disciplines.
Total Offers
3
Offer Success Rate: 12%
Cambridge
3
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Brentwood occupies a rare position among independent schools: it holds Steinway School status, reflecting excellence in piano teaching and performance. The school also maintains a partnership with the Guildhall School of Music, providing students with access to professional development. The Music Department ranks in the top tier of the independent school sector and has experienced considerable growth over the past decade.
The Specialist Music Programme offers individually tailored pathways for serious musicians. This sits alongside recreational music for all. Ensembles include the Chapel Choir, Symphony Orchestra, concert bands, and smaller ensembles including jazz groups. The school hosts an annual Brentwood International Music Competition, drawing competitors from across the country. Students learn a wide variety of instruments; the school provides individual tuition through visiting specialists. The music technology suite includes Sibelius composition software, allowing students to explore contemporary music-making alongside performance and theory. Performing arts students have secured places at top conservatories in recent years.
The school offers dedicated drama studios and rehearsal spaces. Senior school pupils participate in dramatic productions and LAMDA tuition is available. The sixth form co-curricular booklet details ongoing drama activities, with sixth formers encouraged to participate in competitive and recreational theatre. Productions involve pupils of varying abilities, from technical crew to leading roles.
The school occupies the forefront of educational innovation in science and technology. The refurbished STEAM facility, completed in 2020 and designed by RIBA award-winning architects Cottrell & Vermeulen, represents a multimillion-pound investment. This purpose-built complex combines refurbished historic buildings with entirely modern structures, creating flexible learning environments. The Queens Building, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 to house the science department, continues as a focal point for scientific inquiry.
Named science clubs include societies for pupils with particular interests. The school's computing and engineering provision attracts pupils interested in technology, with coding, robotics, and project-based challenges available. STEM clubs, societies, and competitions encourage exploration beyond the classroom. The breadth of provision means that science is not confined to those pursuing sciences at A-level; all pupils develop scientific literacy.
Sport occupies a prominent place in school life. The 75-acre campus provides multiple pitches for football, rugby, cricket, and hockey. Tennis courts, netball courts, and an athletics track support year-round competition. The all-weather floodlit pitch and refurbished astroturf allow evening and winter fixtures.
The on-site Sports Centre represents significant infrastructure. A 25-metre indoor swimming pool serves both recreational and competitive needs. Four glass-backed squash courts accommodate strong participation in this sport. A main hall accommodates seven badminton courts, and a separate multi-purpose room serves dance and other activities. A purpose-built Fencing Salle serves as the practice home for the school's strong fencing community.
Named sporting teams and academies include the Tennis Academy, Football Academy, Equestrian Team, and Chess Club (for which detailed results are published). Water polo, netball, swimming, rowing, and orienteering all feature in the co-curricular offering. The 2016 achievements included U13 netballers winning the National Schools Cup, U15 water polo team becoming ESSA National Plate Champions, and swimmers winning the Mid-Essex Relay Championships for the 10th consecutive year. Boys and girls compete separately in gender-based sports during school time but are selected on ability for mixed fixtures at national level. The school places considerable value on participation and introduction to new activities alongside nurturing elite performers.
The Combined Cadet Force, founded in 1861, is one of the oldest and largest in the country. It mobilises students to develop leadership, responsibility, and self-reliance through disciplined activity and adventure. Year 9 and 10 pupils complete the core syllabus, with Year 11 learning to teach. Lower Sixth cadets lead younger pupils and participate in leadership roles in competitions and ceremonial events. The CCF Fast Track programme welcomes new sixth form joiners, offering a steep learning curve but rapid progression to leadership positions.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, integrated with the Great Outdoors programme, runs from Bronze through Gold level. At Gold (Year 12-13), participants undertake a residential section alongside outdoor adventure activities and assessed expeditions. Field days throughout the year provide additional outdoor experience.
The Voluntary Service Activity (VSA) sits at the centre of social enterprise and community engagement at the school. Its ethos revolves around Awareness, Outreach, and Action. Students engage in projects addressing loneliness, isolation, environmental sustainability, and support for those with special needs. Training in British Sign Language and First Aid is available. Sixth form seniors lead sessions for younger pupils. A highlight of the VSA calendar is hosting local care home residents for the annual Christmas party.
The school hosts SABS (Society for Academic and Broader Studies), which focuses on advancing sixth form education through guest speakers, debates, and lectures on societal issues in science, the arts, and sport. Old Brentwoods such as actor Griff Rhys Jones and author Jack Straw appear as regular speakers, alongside notable figures such as George Galloway, economist Vicky Pryce, and philosopher A.C. Grayling. Junior SABS provides similar opportunities for younger pupils.
Additional named clubs and societies include the African Drum Club, Model United Nations, Chess Club, and a range of subject-focused enrichment. The school encourages 100+ clubs and activities at lunchtime and after school, ranging from traditional pursuits to contemporary interests. Co-curricular participation is tracked through the SOCS (school online co-curricular system), allowing form tutors to monitor involvement and ensure balance. Students are encouraged to reflect half-termly on personal skills developed through activities.
The school provides trips and visits ranging from single days to month-long expeditions, exploring destinations across the UK, Europe, Africa, China, and beyond. Most subjects offer curriculum-linked experiences. Sixth formers participate in four field days annually, with both day trips and residential elements. The diversity of opportunities means that academic enrichment and adventure combine throughout a student's time at the school.
All pupils in prep school (including those attending part-time in Foundation) have access to wraparound care from 7:30am to 6:00pm at an additional charge. School fees include lunches and enrichment activities (excluding optional trips). Specialist instrumental lessons are charged separately by visiting music teachers, who issue their own terms. Field trip costs, specialist tuition in academies (fencing, tennis, chess, etc.), and exam entry fees are additional charges.
The school offers means-tested bursaries to deserving senior school pupils. The school describes these as "transformational", indicating significant support packages. Families must provide full financial information for assessment. The independent Bursary Administration Ltd handles applications, ensuring consistency and confidentiality. Scholarships are available for academic, music, drama, dance, sport, chess, and art achievement, typically providing 10-25% fee reduction. Pupils receiving scholarships or bursaries must demonstrate strong potential in their respective areas. The school's charitable status reflects its commitment to access based on merit and ability to benefit.
Fees data coming soon.
The school admits pupils at multiple points: Foundation (age 3), Reception, Year 1, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12/13. Foundation admission involves assessment of readiness; older primary entry points use tests in English, Mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning. Secondary entry at Year 7 requires entrance examinations. Sixth form entry requires GCSE results meeting the school's published thresholds, typically grades 5 and above (or equivalent) in subjects the student wishes to study.
The school's Admissions Process page details application timings and procedures. Approximately 90% of prep school pupils progress to senior school. Around one-third of senior school pupils join from the maintained sector, suggesting the school is accessible to families outside the independent school system.
Roughly 65 pupils board, drawn from the UK and internationally. Boarding is available from Year 7 upwards, with separate boarding houses for boys and girls. Two dedicated boarding houses provide residential accommodation. The school describes its approach as creating a "family environment" through careful house staffing. Houseparents (typically husband-and-wife teams) live on site. Matrons and resident tutors provide daily care and pastoral oversight.
Boarders have access to the full range of school facilities and weekend activities organised by houseparents. Recent weekend outings have included trips to the Peak District, theme parks, and shows in London's West End. Boarders also enjoy visits to nearby shopping destinations including Oxford Street, Chelmsford, Basildon, and Romford. Evening and weekend activities include paintballing, escape rooms, cinema trips, and meals at local restaurants. In-house activities include quiz nights, karaoke, and spa nights. Houses maintain kitchens and barbecue facilities where students can prepare meals together.
Exeats occur roughly every three weeks, allowing families to collect their children for weekend visits. Weekend school continues Saturday mornings; Sunday includes chapel. The school sees boarding not as a necessary arrangement but as an educational experience fostering independence, resilience, and international community. Boarders describe their experience as the school feeling like home.
The 2022 ISI inspection noted that pastoral care meets all required standards and actively promotes pupil wellbeing. The school's structure emphasises close staff-pupil relationships. Form tutors know pupils well and track both academic progress and personal development. Houses in the senior school create smaller communities within the larger school. Year group pastoral coordinators provide additional oversight.
The school employs a Learning and Development team offering tailored support for pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism. English as an Additional Language support is available for international pupils. Counselling services operate on-campus. The school takes mental health and emotional wellbeing seriously, providing preventative education and intervention when needed.
Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently enforced. The school promotes respect, responsibility, and kindness as core values. Bullying is taken seriously, with clear reporting mechanisms and proactive prevention strategies. The 2022 inspection confirmed that good behaviour is promoted and bullying prevented to the extent reasonably practicable.
8:50am to 3:20pm for senior school; 8:45am to 3:15pm for prep school (including wrap-around care availability).
The school operates coach routes serving the wider Essex area. Many families use local trains; Brentwood Station (Central Line via Loughton) provides direct London access. Limited school car parking is available during open days and visits; families are advised to use nearby town car parks. The school's location on Middleton Hall Lane and adjacent Ingrave Road makes access straightforward for driving families.
Pupils wear school uniform throughout, including blazers from Year 7 onwards. Sixth form dress code is less formal, reflecting their status as older students.
The school operates three traditional terms plus holiday provision. Term dates are published on the school website and calendar portal.
Entry competitiveness: While roughly 90% of prep pupils progress to senior school, external entry at Year 7 is selective. Families should check entrance exam pass marks for the current year. The school is over-subscribed at senior entry, meaning admission is not guaranteed even for those achieving qualifying exam scores.
Diamond Model implications: Boys and girls study separately from Year 7 to Year 11, except in gender-based sports where mixed teams compete at national level. While the school argues this structure encourages individual confidence and freedom of expression, families accustomed to fully co-educational senior schools should consider whether this suits their child. The mixed sixth form environment provides reintegration before university.
Day and boarding mix: Approximately 65 boarders coexist with 1,850 day pupils. While boarders integrate fully into school life, the school's primary identity is as a day school with boarding provision. Families seeking a predominantly boarding environment should consider whether this sits comfortably with their expectations.
Selective and academically demanding: Brentwood is an academically selective school with high expectations. Students should be comfortable with intellectual rigour and willing to engage deeply with subjects. The curriculum is not designed to be relaxed or recreational; it is purposefully ambitious.
Brentwood School combines nearly 470 years of educational tradition with sustained contemporary excellence. The dual focus on academic rigour and individual pastoral care distinguishes it from schools operating on either principle alone. Results consistently exceed England averages at GCSE and A-level. The breadth of co-curricular provision, from elite sports teams to community service programmes, ensures that students find genuine opportunities aligned with their interests. Facilities on the 75-acre campus rival those of many boarding schools, yet the school remains fundamentally accessible through day provision and a commitment to means-tested bursaries. Leadership under Michael Bond continues a pattern of innovation and genuine care for pupil wellbeing. Best suited to families within reach of Brentwood seeking a selective, academically ambitious school where results matter but so does the quality of individual relationships and support. The main challenge is securing entry, as the school is heavily oversubscribed at most entry points.
Yes. Brentwood achieved 324th position for GCSE results (top 7% in England), with 57% of entries achieving grades 9-7 in 2024. A-level performance places it 269th (top 10% in England). The 2022 ISI inspection confirmed the school meets all regulatory standards. Three students secured Oxbridge places in 2024. These results reflect consistently strong teaching and substantial investment in facilities and staffing.
Senior school day fees are £29,112 annually (£9,704 per term for 2025-26), inclusive of lunches and enrichment activities. Preparatory school fees are £22,239 annually. Full boarding is £56,358 annually. These fees are payable via direct debit in three equal termly instalments. A monthly payment scheme is available through School Fee Plan. Means-tested bursaries are available to deserving pupils, and scholarships are offered in academic, music, art, drama, dance, sport, and chess.
The Diamond Model teaches boys and girls separately from ages 11-16 (Years 7-11) while keeping the preparatory school and sixth form co-educational. The school argues this structure fosters individual confidence and freedom of expression in the classroom while maintaining social integration through joint activities outside lessons. Sixth form reunification prepares older students for mixed-gender university environments. Families unaccustomed to single-sex teaching should consider whether this aligns with their preferences.
Approximately 65 pupils board out of 1,850 on roll (roughly 3-4%). The school is primarily a day school with boarding available from Year 7 upwards. Boarding houses are staffed by houseparents (resident couples) and matrons. Exeats occur roughly every three weeks. The school provides organised weekend activities, evening entertainment, and access to local shopping and dining experiences. Boarders describe the experience as positive and integrative.
Academic rigour and breadth of opportunity stand out. The school achieves strong GCSE and A-level results while offering genuine choice through multiple curricula (A-levels, IB Diploma, BTEC). Co-curricular provision is exceptional, spanning elite sports programmes, music ensembles at conservatoire level, leadership through CCF and Duke of Edinburgh schemes, and community service through the Voluntary Service Activity. Pastoral care is consistently praised, with staff and pupils forming close relationships. Facilities on the 75-acre campus are outstanding. Financial assistance through bursaries and scholarships makes the school accessible to able students beyond the fee-paying community.
The school is heavily oversubscribed at Year 7 entry. Roughly 90% of prep pupils progress to senior school; external entry at Year 7 is selective. Entrance examinations assess attainment in English, Mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning. Sixth form entry requires GCSE results, typically grades 5 and above in subjects chosen. Families should check current entrance exam pass marks and understand that achievement of a passing grade does not guarantee a place. The school publishes open event dates on its website.
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