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Brentwood School

United Kingdom, Brentwood

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £16,500 - 58,464
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1852
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1557
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, British Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Italian, German, Mandarin, Latin
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Brentwood School is a day and boarding, with separate teaching for boys and girls from Year 7 to Sixth Form, serving ages 3 to 18 on a 75-acre campus in Brentwood with a train link to London. The curriculum unfolds in three phases: Foundation and Prep (EYFS–Year 6) following the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme; Senior School (Year 7–11) offering a broad core plus options across 28 GCSE subjects; and Sixth Form providing three pathways—the IB Diploma Programme, A Levels and a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport or Business, together with an Extended Project Qualification. From Year 7, pupils use iPads to support digital literacy. The campus houses a Wellbeing Centre, Lawrence and Queen's buildings, Bean Academic Centre, and sports and performance facilities including a 25m pool, four squash courts, a fencing salle and a hall. A rich programme of co-curricular activities, overseas trips and leadership opportunities complements classroom learning.

Brentwood School, Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8EE

The Essentials

Brentwood School has 1,852 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Brentwood School is based on a 75-acre campus in the heart of Brentwood, Essex. It is close to London, with rail access to the capital from Brentwood Station being convenient (about 23 minutes away).

Stages
Prep ages 3–11; Senior School ages 11–16; Sixth Form ages 16–18; Boarding ages 11–18.

Type
Day and boarding school; co-educational; boys and girls are taught separately until the Sixth Form.

Additional learning support
Learning Support for pupils with SEND is provided. The Prep School has a Head of Learning Support and SENDCo; the Senior School has a Head of Learning Support and SENDCo; the policy describes in‑class support, literacy and numeracy interventions, study skills, and access to educational psychologists.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is offered as full and weekly for 11 to 18-year-olds in a state-of-the-art boarding house. The building is subdivided into a girls' boarding house and a boys' boarding house with a central shared facility, a Benugo Café at the heart of the boarding house, staff accommodation at each end, and 122 single, ensuite bedrooms with social spaces. A flexi-boarding option allows two or three consecutive nights in an ensuite bedroom with spaces allocated by interview; indicative prices are available through the Boarding Admissions Assistant.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a prescribed uniform list for each age group. All students must wear the Brentwood School uniform, and uniforms should be smart and appropriate for seasons and activities. The School Shop provides uniform items, an embroidery service, and appointments for new or returning students via My School Portal.

Food Options
Catering is provided by Holroyd Howe with weekly menus for Prep and Senior; The Holroyd Howe team works with Brentwood to provide healthy, balanced meals and has received recognition for nutrition. The Benugo Café in the boarding house serves meals and beverages and is open to parents on Fridays (8.30am–10.30am); An Allergy Management Policy supports students with allergies.

House System
Boarders are organised into three named houses—Mill Hill, Hough and Weald—with houseparents and dedicated staff supporting pastoral care and community life. The boarding house is divided into a girls' house, a boys' house and a central shared facility that includes social spaces and dining. House staff manage house-based activities and help foster a close-knit boarding community.

Governance and Ownership
Brentwood School is an unincorporated registered charity governed by a Board of Governors who act as trustees. The Governors are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the Senior School and Preparatory School, with the Head of School implementing policies as chief operating leader.
Fees

Annual tuition at Brentwood School ranges from GBP 16,500 to GBP 58,464 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (2026/27 academic year)

- Foundation Year (3+): GBP 16,500 per year (charged as GBP 5,500 per term). Inclusive of VAT where applicable. *Part‑time attendance in Foundation is charged pro‑rata.*
- Reception – Year 2: GBP 22,239 per year (charged as GBP 7,413 per term). Inclusive of VAT where applicable.
- Year 3 – Year 6: GBP 23,076 per year (charged as GBP 7,692 per term). Inclusive of VAT where applicable.
- Year 7 – Upper Sixth (Day pupils): GBP 30,204 per year (charged as GBP 10,068 per term). Inclusive of VAT where applicable.
- Full Boarding (Tuition plus Board & Lodging): GBP 58,464 per year (charged as GBP 19,488 per term). Inclusive of VAT where applicable.

Application / acceptance deposits

- Prep School acceptance deposit: GBP 600 (inclusive of VAT) payable on acceptance of a Prep place.
- Senior School acceptance deposit: GBP 1,200 (inclusive of VAT) payable on acceptance of a Day place in the Senior School.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual fees are set on an annual basis but are collected in three equal termly instalments; each term's instalment is due on or before the first day of that term. Fees are charged termly regardless of the length of any term.
- Invoices for each term include the termly School Fees and any Specified Charges from the current or previous term; these invoices must be paid by direct debit or direct bank transfer on or before the first day of the term to which the invoice relates.
- A monthly payment scheme is available via School Fee Plan (third‑party provider). Overseas fee payments should be made via Flywire. The School does not accept cash or card payments of fees.

Boarding fees and boarding‑related charges

- Full boarding is charged at GBP 58,464 per year (GBP 19,488 per term) for the 2026/27 year and covers tuition plus Board & Lodging. Additional boarding disbursements (for example music lessons, uniform, and other boarding‑specific costs) are charged separately as supplemental items.

Items included within the quoted fees

- The standard fee covers: lunches, core resources, and enrichment activities including compulsory curriculum trips.

Specified (supplemental) charges and other likely additional costs

- Public examination entry costs.
- Home–School coach service charges (administered by Zeelo) and coach fares.
- Specialist tuition and academy activities charged separately (eg fencing, tennis, cricket, chess, dance, skiing).
- Individual music lessons taught by visiting self‑employed teachers; these teachers invoice parents directly.
- Replacement or repair costs for lost/damaged MacBooks, iPads and books.
- Costs of specialist field trips or subject‑specific resources (eg Biology, Geography).
- Boarding disbursements such as uniform and private music lessons charged in addition to the boarding fee.
- An annual visa compliance fee for overseas students sponsored by the School.
- Wraparound care (Prep School) and holiday‑club charges are additional and charged per session where taken. Childcare vouchers are accepted in limited legacy cases only for Early Years, Wraparound to Year 6 and holiday clubs; Tax‑Free Childcare and the Government 30‑hour scheme are not accepted.

Uniform and routine extras

- Uniform purchases and certain boarding‑uniform items are paid for separately through the School's shop; replacement uniform items are charged as required. Individual music lesson invoices and some activity kit or equipment costs are also payable in addition to the fees.

Refunds and deposits: key terms

- Cooling‑off: If acceptance of a place is withdrawn in writing within 14 days of signing the Acceptance Form, the deposit(s) will be refunded. If acceptance is withdrawn after the 14‑day cooling off period, different notice rules and potential liabilities apply.
- Notice and fees in lieu: If written notice of withdrawal before a child joins is given in accordance with the required notice periods (typically by the first day of the term immediately preceding the term in which the child was due to start), the Acceptance Deposit will be retained and the Additional Deposit refunded if paid. If less than the required notice is given (or no notice), fees in lieu of notice will be payable; the Acceptance Deposit may be applied against those fees.
- On leaving the School, the Acceptance Deposit (after deduction of outstanding fees and supplemental charges) will be credited to the final invoice or refunded after reconciliation. If no instruction is received about returning the deposit within a stated period (typically three months after leaving), the remaining balance may be transferred to the School's Foundation. Payment of any refundable balance will be made after accounts are reconciled and on provision of written bank details for payment.
- Exclusion or suspension: There is no entitlement to refund or remission of fees for the term in which a pupil is suspended, excluded or removed; the Acceptance Deposit will generally be forfeited except in specified circumstances. Prepaid fees for terms after an exclusion/required removal will be refunded where applicable.

Invoices, queries and late/non‑payment

- Termly invoices are issued and must be paid by the dates specified on the invoice; no deductions should be made from invoices without agreement from the Finance Director. Failure to pay fees on time may result in the School refusing to allow the pupil to attend. Queries about charges should be made to the Finance Director and will not permit unilateral deduction from an invoice.

Practical payment methods accepted

- Direct debit (preferred for termly instalments). Direct bank transfer is used where agreed. Overseas payments are handled via Flywire. A monthly third‑party payment plan (School Fee Plan) is available. Cash and card payments are not accepted for school fees.

Notes on timing and applicability

- The figures stated above are the published charges for the 2026/27 academic year and are charged as described under the School's terms and contracts. Where specific optional services are taken (eg wraparound sessions, individual music lessons, specialist trips, coach services, visa compliance), additional charges will be invoiced as Specified Charges.
Academics

Brentwood School teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Brentwood School's curriculum is planned in three phases: Foundation and the Prep School (EYFS to Year 6), the Senior School (Years 7–11), and the Sixth Form. The Prep follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). From Year 7 to Year 9 (Key Stage 3), pupils study a broad core curriculum with an option scheme to choose five subjects from a list that includes Art, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, and languages such as French, German, Italian and Chinese, among others. In Key Stage 4, the Senior School offers 28 GCSE subjects to enable personalised pathways. The Sixth Form provides three pathways—the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, A Levels and the BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport or Business—alongside an Extended Project Qualification; the IB includes Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, and most A Level students study three subjects with the EPQ; the subjects currently available include Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, English, English Literature, French, Geography, History, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and more. From Year 7, pupils are equipped with iPads to support digital literacy. The Senior School follows a Diamond Model with separate teaching for boys and girls from Year 7 to Sixth Form and offers a broad co-curricular and enrichment programme.

Student Teacher Ratio
Prep has an average class size of 20. Senior School emphasises small class sizes. From Year 7, students use iPads to enhance learning, reflecting relatively intimate classroom environments across phases.

Exam Results
GCSE results show that right across the cohort, almost 60% of results were graded 7–9 (A*/A). Seventeen students achieved 70+ points in total, with 136 Grade 9s and 33 Grade 8s among them. In 2026, Class of 2026 A Level results saw 110 students take A Levels; 47.6% were A*/A, 18.3% were A*, and 78.4% achieved A*–B, with a 100% pass rate. A-Level and IB results together show a strong performance across pathways. The IB Diploma Class of 2026 achieved an average of more than 37 points, with 21 students taking the IB Diploma and one top scorer achieving 45 points. 39 BTEC Extended Diploma students achieved their first-choice outcomes, including some with the equivalent of A*A*A*, and 19 achieving the equivalent of A*A*A. Leavers' destinations data show Brentwood graduates heading to leading universities such as Bath, Exeter, Nottingham, Liverpool and Leeds, with Cambridge among the top destinations for outstanding individual achievements.

Higher Education Progression
Most students leave Brentwood to attend higher education at their first choice universities. In 2026, the IB Diploma average was over 37 points, with top performers achieving 45 points; destinations include Bath, Exeter, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and Cambridge among others. The Careers Programme supports transitions by providing university talks, guidance interviews, and UCAS preparation; many graduates pursue higher education in the UK and abroad.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented pupils are recognised as pupils of exceptional ability. Identification relies on top percentiles from standardised tests, with Heads of Academic Enrichment generating lists for the top 2% (131+ IQ/ability) and top 5% (125+) of ability. Pupils on these lists are monitored and stretched through targeted challenges, though the approach is inclusive for all pupils; PIECE (passion, interest, engagement, commitment, enthusiasm) is valued and growth mindset is promoted. The Academic Enrichment Policy outlines how identification, monitoring and progression for Gifted and Talented pupils operate across both Prep and Senior School, including cross-curricular opportunities, extended tasks, and access to enrichment libraries and competitions (e.g., EPQ/IB Extended Essay in the Sixth Form). The policy emphasises that there is no limit to aspiration and that teachers pitch lessons to the top end of ability while providing appropriate scaffolding.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Brentwood School delivers a comprehensive pastoral care and wellbeing programme across the Prep, Senior and Sixth Form. The Senior School has an extended wellbeing team comprising the Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral), Director of Pastoral Care, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Heads of Year and their Deputies, Form Tutors, Boarding staff, Pastoral Managers, the Chaplain, the Director of Pupil Wellbeing, the medical team and school counsellors. Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) and designated safeguarding leads support student wellbeing, and Wellbeing Dogs contribute to emotional and cognitive wellbeing. The Sixth Form Wellbeing programme provides timetabled wellbeing lessons, mental health guidance and life-skills activities, and includes Mental Health First Aiders, Mental Health Champions and additional wellbeing support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Learning Support (SEND) Department and a SEND policy. It follows the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years 2015 and the Children and Families Act 2014. Prep SEND staff include the Head of Learning Support and SENDCo for ages 3–11; Senior SEND staff include the SENDCo for ages 11–18. Provision mapping, referrals and collaboration with families form part of the process. The school works with two Educational Psychologists (including London Dyslexia Network and an independent Dyslexia Consultant) and with SNAP, and uses the Essex Local Offer to support pupils with SEND.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Pupils with English as an Additional Language are recognised as part of Brentwood School's pupil profile.

Mental Wellbeing
The Mental Wellbeing framework includes a team of Mental Health First Aiders and Mental Health Champions in the Sixth Form, with timetabled Wellbeing lessons, workshops and life-skills activities. The Senior School has a dedicated wellbeing team and Wellbeing Centre to support student health, happiness and belonging.

Safeguarding
The Safeguarding Policy covers safeguarding and the promotion of welfare, listening to children and early help, signs of abuse and multi‑agency safeguarding. The school designates safeguarding leads (DSL and Deputy DSLs) across the Senior and Prep sections; all staff undertake safeguarding and child protection training (including online safety and Prevent), with regular updates. There are established channels for raising concerns, contact details for safeguarding staff and a 24/7 safeguarding framework for emergencies.
Parent Experience

History
The land for Brentwood School was acquired in 1557 by Sir Antony Browne, the Lord Chief Justice, during Mary Tudor's reign. The period featured religious turmoil, and the execution of a Brentwood Protestant named William Hunter is believed to have spurred Browne to found the school. George Otway was appointed the first Headmaster in 1558. Boarders were first admitted to Brentwood School in 1765, and Brentwood Preparatory School was founded in 1892. The Willis Museum preserves the school's archives and memorabilia, and a history book titled Virtue, Learning and Manners records the school's journey from 1557 to the present.

Community
The community includes the Parents' Hub, Diversity & Inclusion, Learning Community, Brentwood School Association, Foundation, Charity, Public Benefit, and Spiritual Life. The Brentwood School Association, Foundation, and Charity support school life and public benefit initiatives. A Parents' Hub provides a channel for family involvement within the community. Spiritual Life is part of the Brentwood School community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of Brentwood School is the Parents' Association, an association of parents and staff volunteers who organise social and fundraising events across the School. It provides a social network for parents beyond the School gates while raising funds for extras that enhance the pupil experience. Fundraising events include cake sales, fairs, nearly-new uniform sales, the winter ball, wine-tasting, dinners, race days, lunches, gala nights and shopping trips. Contact Friends of Brentwood School at friendsofbrentwoodschool@gmail.com. There is a committee with a Chair and other volunteers, and opportunities to join or volunteer. Uniform sales take place termly in the Garden Building at the Prep School from 3:40pm to 5pm. Last year, the association raised £20,000 for a 50-person wooden sports shelter and funded a range of improvements.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Brentwood School sits on a 75-acre site in the heart of Brentwood with a direct train link to London. The campus supports innovative teaching and a first-class education. A new state-of-the-art Wellbeing Centre centralises pastoral care, wellbeing and counselling. Senior School includes refurbished Lawrence and Queen's buildings with light classrooms and interactive whiteboards, and Bean Academic Centre with a multimedia Learning Resource Centre, lecture space, and study areas.

Sports Facilities
The on-site Sports Centre features a 25m indoor swimming pool and a learner pool. A fitness suite with computerised equipment, four glass-backed squash courts and an indoor rifle range is available. The main hall accommodates seven badminton courts and a multi-purpose room for fencing, dance and other activities. There is a purpose-built Fencing Salle and Courage Hall used for PE, sport and large events.

Academic Facilities
Old Big School is the original building now used for meetings and debates. Lawrence and Queen's buildings are refurbished, with light, spacious classrooms and interactive whiteboards. Bean Academic Centre provides a multimedia Learning Resource Centre, lecture space, social and quiet study areas, plus new classrooms and a cafeteria. This mix supports modern learning across the Senior School.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Prep ACES offers a wide range of clubs in Arts, Community, Enrichment and Sport. Co-Curricular & Enrichment programmes provide additional opportunities to develop key skills. Brentwood International Music Competition is part of the extracurricular calendar. There is a dedicated Fencing Salle supporting the fencing community.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations and public speaking are part of Brentwood's co-curricular life. STEAM activities provide enrichment beyond the classroom. Students can engage in subject-focused clubs and experiences that broaden academic interests.

Arts & Creative
The Specialist Music Programme offers an instrument-based pathway as part of the Performing Arts. Brentwood hosts the Brentwood International Music Competition. Dance and drama groups and productions are available, along with LAMDA classes. The school is a Steinway School and has a partnership with the Guildhall School of Music.

Cultural & Language
Overseas trips cover the UK, Europe, Africa and other destinations, broadening cultural exposure. A French trip supports language learning in real-world contexts. Field Days provide diverse co-curricular experiences with opportunities to engage with different cultures.

Social & Hobbies
Engaging activities include dance and drama groups and productions. There are more than 30 sports on offer, including tennis, rugby, football, cricket and swimming. Clubs and teams such as the Chess Academy, Equestrian Team, Fencing Club and the Darts Programme provide social and hobby outlets.

Community & Service
The Voluntary Service Activity (VSA) is the centre of social enterprise, community and charitable work. VSA activities raise awareness of issues and develop skills such as British Sign Language and First Aid. From Years 9 to 11 students rotate volunteering areas; in the Sixth Form Senior Leaders help to run VSA and KS3 Service sessions.

Leadership & Professional
The Combined Cadet Force develops leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award provides a progression of outdoor skills, service and personal development, with Gold level including a residential. In the Sixth Form, Senior Leaders help organise and run VSA and KS3 Service sessions.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is a central part of Brentwood, with over 30 sports on offer from football to golf. The campus features a Sports Centre with a 25m indoor pool, four squash courts, a large main hall and a fencing salle. The program emphasises physical literacy, wellbeing and confidence through activity and outdoor experiences.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. In the Prep School, French runs from Foundation to Year 2; Spanish is taught from Year 3 to Year 6, with enrichment in German (Year 4), French (Year 3) and Chinese (Years 5–6); BSL is taught in Year 6. In the Senior School, Year 7 pupils study three languages (French or Spanish; German or Chinese; Latin); from Year 9 there are broader options including French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Latin, with Italian beginners and Classical Greek beginners in the IB/GCSE pathways. Language provision extends to GCSE, A Level and IB, including French, Spanish, German, Latin, Chinese (B), Italian (B), and ab initio options in Spanish and German; community languages are supported and EAL support is provided, including pathways to Cambridge English B2 in Year 11 and Cambridge C1 in the Sixth Form; there is also recognition of non-English mother tongues (e.g., Arabic, Russian, Polish, Chinese) within a multilingual framework.

Immersion Programs
Enrichment language/culture experiences in Prep include German (Year 4), French (Year 3) and Chinese (Years 5–6). The Prep programme emphasises language across the curriculum and international mindedness.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 Attend an Open Event or Visit. Families are encouraged to visit before registering to confirm Brentwood is right for their child. An Open Morning or a tour can be arranged. The visit provides an opportunity to meet staff and see the school environment.

Step 2 Register your Child. After visiting, complete the online registration form and pay the non-refundable registration fee of £125 (inc VAT). The registration deadline for Preparatory entry points is 1 November. A most recent school report and proof of current academic attainment are required as part of the process.

Step 3 Open Day & Assessment Day. After registration, you will be invited to Open Morning and to an Assessment Day to sit the Entrance Test for the year you intend to join. Foundation parents are invited to a Foundation information evening; Reception children participate in class-based activities during the process.

Step 4 Entrance Test and Interviews. Prospective pupils sit Entrance Tests in English and Mathematics, plus a collaborative practical task, with tests based on age-appropriate National Curriculum topics. An Individual Candidate Meeting is held to assess potential, and a Headteacher's confidential reference may be requested as part of the process.

Step 5 Offers, Bursaries and Scholarships. Offer decisions are communicated at the appropriate stage for each entry point. Means-tested bursaries and Scholarships are available, with separate applications for bursaries and scholarships. Ready to Apply? OpenApply provides access to registration; the process includes a non-refundable registration fee of £125 and contact with the Admissions Team is encouraged for any questions.

Scholarships
Brentwood offers Scholarships at Year 7 (11+) and Year 12/Lower Sixth (16+). Scholarships provide a 10% fee discount, which is not means-tested and can rise to 20% in some cases. To apply for a Scholarship, you must register for a place and indicate on the registration form that you wish to apply. Scholarships recognise academic potential and talent in Art, Chess, Dance, Drama, Music, and Sport.

Academic Scholarships are awarded to high performers; 11+ candidates automatically enter for an Academic Scholarship, with top performers considered after an Individual Candidate Meeting and a Headteacher's reference. A Sixth Form Academic Scholarship requires 64 points from GCSEs. Specialist Scholarships are available in Art, Chess, Dance, Drama, Music, and Sport; candidates may apply for multiple Specialist Scholarships (up to three at 11+ and up to two at 16+). Art scholarships may require a portfolio and an interview; Music scholarships may involve auditions and public performances; Chess scholarships involve a tournament-based shortlisting process. Sixteen-plus applicants may also pursue Specialist Scholarships with portfolio/audition requirements as published on the Scholarships pages.

Waitlist
Chance Places exist after 31 March for available places; families may enquire about current availability. Late Boarding Admissions may join waiting lists after 31 March. Boarding late admissions can also be considered for a Boarding Talent Award.
School Events
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