Brentford School for Girls Review 2026: Ambitious Education for London Girls

Brentford School for Girls is a secondary school and sixth form located in Boston Manor, Hounslow. Serving approximately 950 students, the school provides an environment where girls are encouraged to be ambitious, confident, and resilient. The school's current performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), but it is the value added progress that often tells the most compelling story here.

The leadership team is headed by Ms Marais Leenders, who has served as head teacher since 2012. Under her direction, the school has cultivated a culture that balances academic expectation with strong pastoral support. As a state funded academy, it offers a comprehensive education that was most recently recognized as Good across all categories in a 2024 inspection. The school serves a diverse local community and is a popular choice for families seeking a single sex environment in West London.

The atmosphere at Brentford School for Girls is one of purposeful activity. Located on Boston Manor Road, the school occupies a site that feels integrated into its urban surroundings while providing a secure space for students. The school motto, Think Family, is more than a slogan; it reflects a community where older students are encouraged to mentor their younger peers.

There is a palpable sense of pride in the school's identity as a girls only institution. This focus allows students to explore subjects and leadership roles without the gendered pressures sometimes found in co-educational settings. The culture celebrates achievement in many forms, from the traditional academic to the creative and sporting. Students appear genuinely comfortable and confident, moving between lessons with a sense of ownership of their environment.

The 2024 inspection confirmed that behaviour and attitudes are positive, noting that students conduct themselves in a friendly and courteous manner. The school's history is rooted in the local authority of Hounslow, and it remains a central pillar of the Boston Manor education landscape.

Brentford School for Girls consistently delivers outcomes that demonstrate the hard work of both students and staff. In the 2024 results, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 45.9, which is in line with the England average. However, the Progress 8 score of +0.25 is significant, indicating that students make more progress between the end of primary school and the end of Year 11 than their peers across the country.

The school ranks 2048th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 18th among schools in Hounslow. This performance reflects consistent and reliable academic standards.

At A-level, the school continues to support students toward strong outcomes. The percentage of students achieving A* to B grades was 41.5% in 2024. The school ranks 1568th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it 12th locally in Hounslow. While these figures sit slightly below England averages for top grades, the progression rates into university remain a strength for the sixth form.

Teaching follows clear structures and is characterized by high expectations. Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge, and lessons are planned to challenge students while providing necessary scaffolding. The curriculum is broad and balanced, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of academic and creative subjects.

The school places a significant emphasis on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, although it also maintains a commitment to the arts and technology. In the sixth form, the curriculum expands to include a variety of A-level and vocational options, tailored to student aspirations. The small class sizes in the sixth form allow for more personalized attention and rigorous academic debate.

STEM: Innovation and Applied Science

STEM subjects are a clear priority. The school has invested in modern laboratories and computing facilities to ensure students are prepared for careers in these sectors. Specific initiatives, such as the Formula 24 Greenpower racing team, allow students to apply engineering principles in a practical, competitive environment.

There is also a strong Coding Club and participation in regional mathematics challenges. These programmes are designed to break down barriers for women in STEM, encouraging girls to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and technologists. This fosters a culture where girls feel empowered to pursue technical subjects at a high level.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied and active. Beyond the standard sports and music offerings, the school provides unique opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which is well attended by students across different year groups. The school's proximity to central London allows for frequent cultural trips to museums, galleries, and theatres, enriching the formal curriculum.

Specific clubs such as the Debating Society and the Eco Committee allow students to develop their voices on issues that matter to them. The school also has a strong tradition in the performing arts, with annual productions that bring together students from all age groups. These activities foster a sense of discipline and teamwork that extends back into the classroom.

Securing a place at Brentford School for Girls is a competitive process. For the most recent entry cycle, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 326 applications for approximately 100 places. This highlights the school's popularity within the Hounslow community.

Admissions are coordinated by the Hounslow Local Authority. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical offers. The school also offers "Brentford Girl of the Future" events to help prospective families understand the unique culture.

Pastoral care is excellent and well established. The school uses a house system to create smaller communities within the larger institution, ensuring that every student is known and supported. The latest Ofsted report rated personal development as Good, noting that students feel safe and that safeguarding is effective.

The school provides access to counsellors and has a well developed SEN department that supports students with various learning needs. The transition from primary to secondary school is handled with care, involving induction evenings in March and subject taster sessions in June to ensure new Year 7 students settle quickly.

Where Students Go Next

The university pipeline is well established. According to leavers data, 61% of students progressed directly to university in the most recent cohort. The school also has a track record of success with elite applications; in 2024, two students applied to Cambridge with one successfully securing an offer.

Students often progress to a range of Russell Group universities, including Queen Mary University of London and King's College London. For those not heading to university, the school provides guidance for further education and employment, with 10% of the most recent cohort entering the workforce or vocational training directly.

The school day typically runs from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm, with extracurricular clubs extending into the late afternoon. Located a short walk from Boston Manor Underground station (Piccadilly Line) and Brentford railway station, the school is highly accessible via public transport.

For parents looking at local transport, the E2 and 195 bus routes serve the immediate area. Travel by car is more restricted due to the urban location and limited on site parking, so walking and public transport are encouraged.

Fees & Financial Aid

Brentford School for Girls is a state school with no tuition fees. As an academy, it is publicly funded. Families may need to budget for associated costs such as the school uniform, educational trips, and specialized music lessons. The school offers support through the Pupil Premium for eligible students to ensure all can access the full range of opportunities.

• Competitive Entry: With over three applications for every place, entry is competitive. Parents should check local authority admissions criteria carefully.
• Single Sex Environment: As an all girls school, it provides a specific social and academic dynamic. Families should consider if this suits their child's personality.
• Urban Setting: The school site is compact and located on a busy road. While facilities are well maintained, the setting is more urban than some suburban alternatives.

Brentford School for Girls is an ambitious and high performing school that provides a supportive environment for girls to excel. Its positive progress scores and clear university pathways make it an excellent choice for families seeking academic rigour in the state sector. Best suited to confident London girls who want to be part of a community that prioritizes their development and pushes them toward top tier destinations. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.