Brooke House Day School operates as a remarkably small, independent all-through school located in the village of Cosby, Leicestershire. With a total capacity of 100 pupils and a current roll of approximately 46, the school offers an educational environment that is distinctively intimate, catering to children from age five through to sixteen. This small scale is the school's primary defining feature, allowing for a level of individual attention that is difficult to replicate in larger institutions.
The school occupies a residential-style site on Croft Road, which contributes to its reputation as a home-from-home environment. While its academic results in the secondary phase sit below the England average, the school positions itself as an alternative for families seeking a low-pressure, supportive setting where children who might feel overwhelmed by larger secondary schools can find their feet.
The atmosphere at Brooke House Day School is frequently described as familial and inclusive. Because the school is all-through, younger pupils and older students share a compact campus, fostering a sense of community where everyone is known by name. The lack of a religious character makes the school accessible to families of all backgrounds, focusing instead on core values of respect and personal development.
The school's leadership, under Principal and Proprietor Mrs Joy Parker, who has led the institution since its establishment in 2007, has historically emphasised the importance of small class sizes. These often consist of fewer than ten pupils, allowing for a relaxed yet purposeful environment where teachers can adapt their pace to the specific needs of the cohort. The physical setting in Cosby, a quiet village south of Leicester, provides a calm backdrop for learning.
In the secondary phase, Brooke House Day School faces challenges typical of very small cohorts, where individual performances significantly impact overall averages. In the most recent measurement period, the school achieved an average attainment 8 score of 19.4. This figure is below the England average, placing the school in the lower tier of ranked secondary schools in England (3,868th out of 4,593).
The school ranks 50th locally within the Leicester area for GCSE outcomes based on FindMySchool's proprietary rankings. Only 5.9% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, reflecting a curriculum that may be more tailored to individual vocational or core academic interests rather than the full suite of EBacc disciplines. Parents should view these statistics as a reflection of a non-selective intake that often includes students who have struggled in more traditional, high-pressure academic environments.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Brooke House covers both primary and secondary phases, ensuring a smooth transition for those who stay for their entire school career. In the primary years, the focus is on establishing foundations in literacy and numeracy. The 2024 Ofsted report rated the school as Requires Improvement overall, noting that while reading is a priority, the curriculum is not yet consistently well-planned across all subjects.
Teaching is characterised by high levels of adult support. The small class sizes mean that a one-size-fits-all approach is avoided; teachers can provide immediate feedback and intensive support during lessons. This structure particularly benefits students who require a higher degree of scaffolding or those who have previously experienced anxiety related to their studies.
For primary-aged pupils, there is a natural internal progression route into the secondary phase of the school. For those who choose to move on at age eleven, destinations typically include local state secondaries or other independent schools in Leicestershire.
At age sixteen, students leave Brooke House to pursue further education, as the school does not have its own sixth form. Typical destinations include Leicester College or North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) for A-level or vocational courses. The transition at sixteen is managed carefully, with staff providing guidance to help students choose the right post-16 environment after the protective bubble of Brooke House.
As an independent school, Brooke House Day School manages its own admissions process. Entry is generally non-selective, though the school usually requires an informal interview and a review of previous school reports to ensure that they can meet the child's needs.
Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school during a working day to experience the small-scale environment first-hand. While the admissions window remains open throughout the year, early enquiry is advised given the small total capacity of 100 pupils.
Pastoral care is the cornerstone of the Brooke House offering. In such a small school, there is nowhere for a child to hide, which ensures that emotional or social issues are identified and addressed almost immediately. The school operates with a high degree of transparency between staff and parents, with frequent informal communication.
The school provides a safe haven for students who may have found larger mainstream environments challenging. The 2024 inspection confirmed that staff know pupils extremely well and that pupils feel safe and happy. The focus is on building self-esteem and confidence alongside academic progress.
Despite its limited size, Brooke House makes use of local facilities to supplement its on-site offerings. Physical education often involves using local sports grounds or leisure centres, such as the Lutterworth Leisure Centre or Cosby Golf Club. The school organises regular educational visits to museums and historical sites to enrich the curriculum.
Clubs and extracurricular activities are often responsive to student interest. In the past, this has included art projects, drama workshops, and computing clubs. The school's small size allows for a high degree of participation; almost every student has the opportunity to represent the school or take part in performances.
The school day typically runs from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm. Due to its village location, most students arrive by car, though Cosby is served by local bus routes from Leicester and Hinckley.
Wraparound care details are not extensively published on the school's digital platforms. Families requiring breakfast or after-school clubs should contact the school office directly to discuss current arrangements and availability.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees at Brooke House Day School are positioned as a more accessible entry point to the independent sector. Annual fees for day pupils range from approximately £8,275 to £10,071, depending on the year group. This places Brooke House significantly below the price point of larger, more traditional independent schools in the region.
The school's admissions policy mentions the availability of scholarships and bursaries, which are handled on an individual basis. Parents should note that as an independent school, fees are subject to standard VAT regulations.
Brooke House Day School is a unique proposition in the Leicestershire educational landscape. It functions less like a formal institution and more like a dedicated learning community. It is best suited to students who thrive in small, quiet environments and families who prioritise pastoral support and individual attention over league table position. The main appeal lies in its ability to re-engage students who may have struggled in larger settings.
Brooke House is well-regarded for its pastoral care and its ability to support students who find larger schools difficult. While its latest Ofsted rating in 2024 was Requires Improvement, the school was praised for its safe and happy environment and its high-quality support for social and emotional needs.
Fees for the current academic year range from approximately £8,275 to £10,071 per annum. These fees are generally lower than most other independent schools in Leicestershire.
No, Brooke House Day School provides education up to Year 11 (age 16). Students typically move on to local FE colleges in Leicester or Warwickshire for their A-level or vocational studies.
Class sizes are a major draw for the school, often featuring fewer than 10 pupils. This allows for significant individual interaction between the teacher and each student.
The school is generally non-selective. Admissions are based on whether the school feels it can provide the right environment for the child to flourish, rather than solely on entrance examination scores.
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