Brentwood School
Founded in 1557, Brentwood School has spent more than four and a half centuries growing into one of the larger independent schools in Essex, now educating around 1,311 pupils from age 3 to 18. It is co-educational, Christian in character, and offers both day and boarding places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both academic standards and personal development, with compliance requirements fully met. A generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of about nine, alongside means-tested bursaries, means the school combines small-class teaching with some routes to widen access.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
52%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
45%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
82%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 2 December 2025
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 52% of GCSE grades reached 9-7 against a national average of 23%, while at A-level 45% of grades were A*-A and 82% A*-B. The curriculum is unusually broad, spanning GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, the IB, BTEC and the EPQ, which gives families real choice over how pupils are examined. Maths, Economics and Business Studies are among the most popular sixth-form subjects, and the sizeable sixth form of 377 reflects a strong pull through to the final years. Around a fifth of pupils receive SEN support, so additional needs are clearly a familiar part of school life.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Headmaster · Michael Bond
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 377
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a visible strength, with football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey and tennis all on offer. Scholarships in music, dance, sport and academics signal where the school invests in talent beyond the classroom. Languages including French and Chinese add an international dimension.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1557
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 21.19%
- EHC plans
- 0.11%
Mobile phone policy
Senior school pupils must take responsibility for the security of their phone. Mobile phones are expected to be switched off during the school day. Mobile phone use is also not permitted during any activity, fixture, trip or visit, without the permission of a member of staff. Any permitted use of mobile phones must be in line with the school's ethos and policies.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £27,792
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £54,459
Means-tested bursary support
Schools nearby
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Immanuel School
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Hopewell School
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Northstar Nurture School
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A large, long-established Essex independent that backs strong results above national averages with broad qualifications and boarding. Suits ambitious families wanting academic breadth and a wide co-curricular life.
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Brentwood School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.