Senior school entrance: Brentwood School

[whatinname]

Hello to all lovely mums :-) It is time now for one of mine to jump from junior to senior and as usual I am stressing. Looking for list of good schools that we may consider. One school really puzzled me and that is Brentwood school. I know few parents whose kids went in there and they were all very happy. But looking at the school ranks, it seems Brentwood is really low below many. Can I ask if anyone is or have sent their kids in Brentwood and how actually the school is? Is it that bad?

Really appreciate feedback

Many thanks

Hi there

Do you have a boy or a girl? Is Brentwood school geographically close to you or are you just throwing it into the mix?

We didn’t consider Brentwood. This was partly down to average results and leavers destinations but also because of the type of family that makes up the cohorts year on year (lack of diversity, obvious shows of wealth and the associated trappings and ‘a keeping up with the jones’ vibe). I got a headache just looking at the traffic leading up to the school (where seemingly everyone gets dropped off in a car) The school is also in a demographic of excellent state primary schools and has itself a huge feeder prep school. It doesn’t need to compete for pupils as there are enough every year to feed the intake. However the brightest pupils from local schools (private and state) are picked off by CCHS and KEGS or the Westcliff grammars and there is the travel infrastructure to support attendance at those schools where the results are considerably better. So, whilst some of the intake for Brentwood are those who were tutored to pass the 11+ for the ‘kudos’ of passing, a large cohort are those who did not succeed. Brentwood is therefore a ‘banker’ on the list. Not many ‘fail’ the entrance exam. So for kids who are mostly middle of the road this is a good fit and if you are able to keep up with the Jones’ they’ll be happy there. That said, this is not the school for a child with SEN. Newhall school offers better support and has a better focus on pastoral care.

If you have a bright child maybe check the catchment areas for grammar intake and save the £.

Brentwood school is a very good school. If affordability is not a factor then you will not regret choosing the school. There are pupils with much broader academic spectrum, but that should not bother anyone as long as the school pushes academically bright pupil to achieve their full potential.
Current head of the school is very good. Excellent co curricular. At year7 majority kids do not know what they are good at. This school gives huge exposure in all areas including music, drama, foreign language.

Thank you both. Would appreciate views from current student or parent.

Many thanks

I'm a current parent with 2 kids in Brentwood school who have been there from Nursery. I have absolutely no complaints on the quality of education and opportunities available, the school has suited both my kids very well. They both sat and passed the 11+ exams but we prefer Brentwood school for the more rounded education as my kids have other interests as well as their academics. The school is on our doorstep so, what's not to like.
I agree the SEN provision might be a bit lacking but they improving on it as they've identified a gap in that area. I might also add we are not white nor British(this is in reference to the diversity mentioned above), the school is certainly diverse in it's intake.

@mumscreates really reassuring to know you all are enjoying in Brentwood.

How good are their provision for maths? For someone strong in maths. Also any feedback on their clubs at all?

I’ve heard that there’s quite bad bullying - ie if mummy and daddy don’t take you skiing every year, to the holiday home in the summer, if they don’t buy you the latest phone / trainers - or a top of the range car when it comes time to learn to drive ...

My DC is in the early senior school years and is quite strong in maths as well (on an academic scholarship), they haven’t been set at the early years so it’s a mix of abilities and my DC is offered extra work set by the teacher(in quite a few subjects). I’m guessing the higher up they go, they’ll set them accordingly. I heard of a boy a few years ago who was very bright and the school sent him to some sort of program organised by Cambridge so, they do recognise talent and try to motivate them somewhat.
There’s diversity in their intake so, it reflects in the academic ability and social status. Whilst I’m happy with the school, that’s because I think it’s the best within my locality, there are other schools further afield which are definitely better but I’m not willing to travel.
The club and sports provision covers such a wide range, any child would find something that interests them. My DC is probably in about 6-8 lunchtime/after school clubs, they also have sports on Saturday morning so bear that in mind.
Truth is people will always talk about a school depending on their experience, like I said it’s been a good fit for my kids. It’s possible there’s some bullying but my kids and I haven’t experienced it and we’ve never been skiing(hope to do that soon though).

It was my choice if DS didn’t pass and go to a grammar, as described above so inevitably it won’t get the best results but they are pretty impressive considering the top academics have been creamed off. I liked it, and DS’s friends who went are all happy with the school. Some are flashy types, others not.

My one regret is about DS missing out on the fantastic extra curricular opportunities the school provides, they are vastly superior to what he has experienced at the grammar. That’s my only regret though, especially no regrets saving the £ and pressure to maintain earning level.

Oh and it operates the diamond model which I would have liked too!

Hi! We’re thinking of Brentwood school and came across this thread. Could anyone please give me an update on the school for very bright at maths boys. Also saw ref to grammar schools. What is KEGS and CCHS? What do those letters mean please

KEGS is King Edward VI Grammar School for boys and CCHS is Chelmsford County High School for girls. Both are state grammar schools in Chelmsford.

We’re in between Chelmsford and Brentwood and will be trying for CCHS with Brentwood School as a back up.

I used to work at this school and left recently because the behaviour of the kids was so bad and their attitude towards their learning was awful. It is a school that looks fantastic on open days because it is all about extra curricular and the gloss but in terms of what happens in the classroom it leaves a lot to be desired. I have worked in many schools and I have witnessed much better behaviour in an average state school. Next year my own daughter will be off to secondary and there is absolutely no way I would send her to Brentwood. If all you care about is sport, drama and music and aren't bothered about results then it is an option. However, if you want academic rigour then look elsewhere.

@Brentw00d I must admit that I'm not surprised to hear this. I live in Leigh-on-sea and know some of the parents who send their children to Brentwood..Along with New Hall and Thorpe Hall it's used by dreadful parents from our primary school who despite all the tutoring in the world don't pass the 11+..

I think they like to imagine they are sending their children to an elite public school.🤦.An average state school is a far better option. My DC's independent primary school is keen to sell these schools to parents ,with Thorpe Hall used for those with smaller budgets.