Brentwood County High School anyone ..

[Naz12345]

Hello. Does anyone know much about the school? I see the inspection reports went dramatically from requires improvement to a good school. Looking for the information to make a decision on possibly working there and/or admitting my children there from year 7. What are the other state schools like in Brentwood?

Hi, I live in Brentwood so know the local schools quite well. My children are still primary age so I don't have first hand experience but can tell you about local perceptions and the reputations of the schools. Do you currently live in Brentwood? We're fortunate that all the schools are ofsted good or outstanding, BCHS has historically been know as the worst in terms of results/behaviour/outcomes but you're right, it has improved a lot recently and is no longer seen as the one to avoid. I know of some parents who have chosen it as first choice which was unheard of previously. St Martins and Shenfield have good reputations - st Martins is known as quite academic and very large, Shenfield has a reputation as being very nurturing with a strong pastoral focus and also very good for sport. Ursuline very good but obviously girls and Catholic and Becket Keys known as the best in terms of outcomes and results but with quite a narrow curriculum (all pupils have to do RE and a foreign language for GCSE, tends not to have many vocational options). BK quite hard to get into as is Church of England with a small catchment.

Thanks so much for this information. We haven't moved yet but are thinking of it. I was really shocked to see the quick improvement for BCHS. Our son may start reception but middle of the year so we are not sure where he would be placed. Brentwood is definitely a nice little place we are looking at.. also looking at Harold wood.

@Naz12345 Reception to year 6 is a long time and things may change. If you are thinking this far ahead, bear in mind that a move to Harold wood will exclude your son from being ‘in catchment’ to OOC as the boundaries stand for the Grammar schools. This would reduce his chances of admission significantly. If you are thinking of a church school for secondary (Becket keys) then he needs to be at one of the church feeder primary schools (St Thomas’/St peters/St Mary’s) Catholic boys from St Joseph and St Helen’s also go off to attend The Campion School in Hornchurch. There are also very good schools in Billericay and the Anglo European School in Ingatestone so don’t forget those areas too.

Brentwood County High currently undergoing major building works. Not sure if this has had a huge impact on quality of teaching, care etc. The old building had warmth and care.
My son is a SEND child and apart from a few very special teachers, the school does not understand SEND children needs even with a high level of finanvial support.. SEND students learn very little and are constantly suspended with no discussion with parents and a few hours notice to parents of suspension. Following Government guidelines falls ny the wayside
Hopefully things improve but currently regret sending my child there.