20 Aug 2026

Brentwood School Celebrates Excellent GCSE Results

It is the School’s firm belief that high academic attainment flourishes in tandem with our vibrant co-curricular programme, which in turn leads to personal growth. Beyond their academic studies, our pupils have fully immersed themselves in the wider life of the school community, from the performing arts to sports to serving others.

No fewer than seventeen students achieved 70+ points in total, with so many other individual success stories across the year group. Overall, almost 60% of results were graded 7-9 (the equivalent of A-A*s).

The vast majority will transition into our Sixth Form, taking advantage of one of three distinct academic pathways: A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or BTEC qualifications. As one of the few UK independent schools to offer this level of choice, Brentwood ensures every student can tailor their studies to their individual strengths and future aspirations.

Fawwaz A, Dilsher C, William J, Ayush M and Tia P were among those who secured the maximum score of 72 points from their best 8 results. Achieving this, Emily S expressed her delight after seeing her hard work and dedication translate into top marks. Her exceptional achievements extend beyond the classroom, having also been awarded the Values Prize at this year's Speech Day for embodying the school's values of Virtue, Learning, and Manners. She wanted to extend a huge thank you to her Biology & Maths teachers (Mrs Kerslake & Mr Childs) for all their encouragement and extra support sessions. Driven by her stellar results and passion for STEM, Emily will now continue her academic journey into the Sixth Form where she will study Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A Level.

Another high flier, Rafael U, was thrilled to reveal 72 points, as he opened his results envelope, surrounded by his proud friends. Rafael, who recently scooped up the Maths Prize at Speech Day, is undertaking the world-renowned International Baccalaureate in September as he is eager to tackle a dynamic range of subjects and throw himself into the full Sixth Form experience at Brentwood.

Combining academic excellence with exceptional musical talent, Rose B is a standout member of the School’s Specialist Music Programme. An outstanding classical singer who has enjoyed a string of performance successes in recent years, Rose returned yesterday from Germany after performing on the school’s annual Music Tour. Through happy tears, Rose said: “Keeping up your extra-curricular activities definitely helps you do better all round because they teach you lots of other skills and allow you to really balance your life. It can get very stressful, but having something else you can do which is not academic is really, really nice.’

The Performing Arts Faculty, one of the most renowned in the UK, has supported many students through their academic studies and performances across all disciplines. Charlie T, a regular performer in the West End with credits that include Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, is looking forward to continuing his studies as a Drama Scholar as he begins A Level courses in Politics, Theology & Philosophy, and (of course) Drama. Meanwhile, Harry N was thrilled with his total of 68 points (and Speech Day prize for Dance), having blazed a trail through the world of modern, jazz and contemporary dance across multiple national competitions and most recently the Dance World Cup in Dublin. Harry’s mum said collecting his results was a ‘bittersweet’ day as Harry is leaving Brentwood to pursue a qualification in Dance but the family wanted to thank all the teachers at Brentwood for their support throughout the years. Meanwhile, Aimee L has showcased the breadth of talent in this cohort by competing - and winning - international cheerleading competitions with Team England, that have taken her around the world. She now turns her attention to studying BTEC Sport, making the most of the three tailored academic pathways available at Brentwood. The strength of the school’s performing arts programme can be further illustrated by the fact that no fewer than 10 students have been awarded places in the National Youth Theatre.

Sport is another area where Brentwood students excel. After a year in which he broke too many records to list here, including becoming the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer, Max D completed his GCSEs as he moved very firmly into the world of professional football at the very highest level with Arsenal FC. Max said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Brentwood School for everything they have done for me during my time here. Although my journey at the school is ending earlier than expected as I pursue my football career, I will always be incredibly grateful for the support that the school and the staff have given me. The lessons I have learned, both on and off the pitch, will stay with me as I take this next step in my journey. A special thanks to Mrs Crowley, Mr Gamester and Miss Antonello for their kindness, support and encouragement throughout my time at Brentwood. I will always be grateful for the difference they have made to my experience here. I leave with some fantastic memories and friendships that I will always cherish. I am excited for what the future holds, but I will always look back on my time at Brentwood with great pride and gratitude.”

Premier League football scholarships were also secured by Melvyn K (Tottenham) and Callum S (Ipswich), and all three boys deserve huge congratulations on navigating the challenges of elite-level football alongside their GCSE qualifications (very) successfully.

Sticking with sport, Ben V, having picked up the prestigious prize for personifying the School’s values of Virtue, Learning and Manners (alongside prizes for English and PE) in June, was another who scored 72 points. Ben is also a star of the school’s Tennis Academy. Meanwhile, Eva S achieved an impressive total of 71 points alongside her participation in the national Player Pathway with England Hockey, while Henry P managed to juggle his involvement with GB Ski Team and his academic work despite his travels across the mountain ranges of Europe and a demanding training schedule. Last but by no means least, Jasper K celebrated a knockout set of GCSE results to go with the Gold medal won representing GB at the World Karate Championships, held in March 2026 in Malta.

Chess is another renowned pillar of a Brentwood education, demonstrated by the U19, U14, and U11 teams all recently competing in the National Finals of the English Chess Federation Team Challenges. Among those competing at the highest level was Academic Scholar Anushka K (right), a key member of the U19 team, who was delighted to match her strategic prowess on the board with an outstanding 69 points in her results. Anuskha is looking forward to continuing both her chess and her studies as she moves into the Sixth Form to pursue the International Baccalaureate. Another stalwart of Brentwood’s Chess Team Max P who is a Federation Master, former British U16 Champion, and current English International Champion, added to his list of triumphs by securing a strong set of GCSE results. Max will now embark on A Levels, balancing top-tier academics with his international chess career.

Eleanor R, whose dad Oliver is a member of the School’s Parent Sounding Board, was also celebrating excellent results. “I’m really grateful to all the teachers and my parents for being alongside me.”

Gemma L, along with no fewer than 70 of their year group, is a Peer Mentor, which involves older students supporting younger pupils with help ranging from the academic to the motivational, reflecting the School’s values encouraging responsibility, compassion, and leadership. Gemma bagged an impressive 71 points, alongside the History Prize at this year’s Speech Day, whilst fellow Peer Mentor Tomas H was incredibly pleased with his 69 points.

Head of Year, Elle Crowley said: "Seeing our students collect their results today has been a moment of immense pride. This year group has shown great determination, and these results are thoroughly deserved. I want to congratulate the students for their efforts, and thank our staff and families for their unwavering support. Today is all about celebrating their success.”

Headmaster Michael Bond added: ‘Congratulations to our Year 11 students, who can be rightly proud of their GCSE results, which are just reward for the hard work and perseverance they have shown over the past two years - and thank you to colleagues and parents who have supported them every step of the way. This year group has demonstrated what can be achieved when talent, ambition and character combine, and we are proud of their accomplishments within and beyond the classroom.’

The results complete a summer of academic success which saw impressive International Baccalaureate Diploma awards - confirming Brentwood’s position among the Top IB schools in the UK - and excellent A Level and BTEC Extended Diploma results. When combined, 63.2% of this year’s grades were A* or A (or equivalent) and 84.6% A*, A or B.

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13 Aug 2026

Bright Futures for Brentwood School’s Class of 2026

For the Class of 2026, exam results represent an important milestone as students take the next steps in journeys defined by learning, leadership and service. Equipped with exceptional academic achievements, alongside the confidence, resilience and character fostered throughout their time at Brentwood, this year's leavers are now preparing to make their mark in fields ranging from law and medicine to aviation, engineering, business and the creative arts.

As one of the few independent schools in the country to offer three distinct Sixth Form pathways - A Levels, the BTEC Extended Diploma (in Business, Sport and Creative Media), and the IB Diploma - Brentwood continues to champion tailored education, ensuring every student finds the route best suited to their ambitions.

Destinations for the Class of 2026 include world-leading institutions such as Cornell, UCLA, McGill, and top Russell Group universities across the UK, including Cambridge, Warwick and LSE.

When results across Brentwood's three Sixth Form pathways are combined, 63% of all qualifications were awarded at the equivalent of A or A*, while 85% achieved the equivalent of A–B*.

Nine students will read Law, 13 will study different aspects of Engineering, while around 46 will be following degree courses related to Economics, Business and Finance. Psychology is also a popular subject, as is the study of History and Politics, while a number of students will continue to pursue their passion for the Performing and Creative Arts.

An astonishing 50 students achieved grades of A*A*A or better at A Level (when combining our three academic pathways), including Austin M, who will take his four A*s with him as he follows his dream of becoming a pilot. Matching this academic feat, Ashar M will follow in his brother Faraz’s footsteps when he starts his degree in Computing at Imperial College. They both thanked their ‘amazing’ teachers for their support, especially Mr Chan, Commanding Officer of the School’s Combined Cadet Force RAF section.

Among today’s top A Level scorers was Deputy Head of School, Gracie C, who - with her full house of three A*s - is taking up a place at Cambridge to read Modern and Medieval Languages. “I am so glad all the hard work has paid off, I’d love to thank my teachers,” she said.

Also heading to Cambridge with three A* grades secured is Laura B, who will read Theology. Laura credited her success to strong support networks, and thanked her parents and study buddy Sara B. ‘We literally revised together on a call every single day’ she said. Laura’s sister Hannah, who is also an Old Brentwood, added: “She’s had many sleepless nights waiting for these results, we are all so proud of her.”

Meanwhile, the next generation of Medics and Vets will include several Brentwood students from the Class of 2026. Alvira K, Deputy Head of School, who scored the (maximum) 45 points in the IB Diploma, is also going up to Cambridge, while Terry N and Ishaan S will be heading to Anglia Ruskin and Queen Mary (University of London) to read Medicine, while Benji T will study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool.

Alvira, who joined her A Level friends for this morning’s results, said: “Brentwood isn’t just about the piece of paper that you leave with, it’s about the soft skills, the person you become, the skills you develop, the people you meet and interact with. That’s really what Brentwood is all about.” And she will be putting those skills to the test at St John’s: “I am hoping to work within research potentially within the biotechnology field. I think that’s a really rewarding field and has a lot of capacity to help a lot of people on quite a large scale and Cambridge of course has the resources to be able to aid with things like that.”

The essence of a Brentwood education is all-roundness, in keeping with values - Virtue, Learning and Manners - that have been part of the school for over 400 years. Our students have achieved so much beyond the classroom as well as within it, as illustrated by this most recent set of results. Many of those named above have contributed to the school in lots of ways, from serving in positions of responsibility to starring in one or more aspects of our co-curricular programme. Three more students are heading across the Atlantic to the US on sporting scholarships in golf and football (resisting the temptation to call it soccer….); Max and Sam K will continue to combine their academic studies with their healthy sibling rivalry in elite-level skiing (both have been part of the British Ski Team for several years); Louella P and Jemimah K have excelled academically (A*AA in A Level and A*A*A* equivalent in BTEC respectively) while playing top-level netball; Jacques L proved as successful in the exam hall as he was a potent goalscorer in the 1st XI football team crowned London Cup champions earlier this year.

Not to be outdone by our sporting stars, Brentwood students continue to excel in the Performing Arts. Anna R, who has also served as a student ambassador for the School’s Foundation, which raises money to support ambitious and talented young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, will take up her place at the London Contemporary Dance School. “I will be celebrating by heading off on the music tour to Germany at 5am tomorrow!” she said. While Olly P and Phillipa P capped a year in which they performed outstanding solos in our Choral and Symphonic Concert at Brentwood Cathedral, with excellent A Level grades.

Brentwood School has a long tradition of supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom were celebrating outstanding achievements within and beyond the classroom. Sophie D will be the first person in her family to go to university when she takes her A*AA grades up to Durham University, where she will read English Literature. “I am really just so thankful I got the opportunity to study here because this is insane!” While Jariah M-L is heading to Exeter (Biochemistry), and Shane F to Bath (Pharmacy). Further details of our transformative bursary programme can be found here.

Students following Brentwood's BTEC pathways achieved exceptional success. Of the 41-strong BTEC cohort, 22 achieved the A Level equivalent of A*A*A* or A*A*A and a further 13 grades equating to A*AA. Our BTEC students will now move on to a range of prestigious universities including Bath, Exeter, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham, studying courses including Law, Architecture, Sports Management and Business. Others are looking forward to starting apprenticeships or direct employment at firms that include BP, Aon, Ascot and Grant Thornton.

The School's outstanding academic year began in July with another excellent set of IB Diploma results. Established in 1968 to develop internationally minded, open and enquiring young people, the IB Diploma is now taught in more than 6,200 schools across 160 countries and remains one of the world's most respected and challenging pre-university qualifications.

The IB cohort included remarkable individual stories of determination, perseverance and success. Two students achieved the maximum possible total (45) - Alvira K and Fin T - while Chloe D will be heading to the Ivy League’s Cornell University in the United States to study Engineering, having scored 44 points. Joining her in the US will be Annie C, who will be studying at UCLA, further reflecting the strong draw of elite North American universities for Brentwood students. Meanwhile, Artur S will be heading further north to study at Canada’s prestigious McGill University in Montreal.

Director of Sixth Form, Mr Timothy Sellers, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our departing Upper Sixth as they take their next steps 'Beyond Brentwood'. Whether heading to top universities in the UK and abroad, or embarking on competitive apprenticeships and careers, their individual journeys reflect incredible dedication. They have balanced academic ambition with outstanding contributions to sport, the arts, and co-curricular life. It has been a privilege to watch this cohort flourish, and we wish them every success in their bright futures."

Headmaster Michael Bond said of the departing Upper Sixth cohort: “Academic success is an important metric in judging the success of any school, but it flows from a consistent focus on holistic education that emphasises the importance of supporting and developing young people of character who discover their passions, contribute to their communities and leave us equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Our philosophy has always been one of breadth and depth. Some students thrive by embracing a wide range of activities, while others pursue excellence in a particular field, which creates a culture where participation, ambition and achievement flourish together. Our students can be rightly pleased by what they have achieved, but most importantly, confident that they are ready to take their place in the world - and to make their contribution towards making it a better place over the years to come.’

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08 Jul 2026

U14 Boys Make History as National Tennis Champions

The win was Brentwood's first-ever national tennis title and followed a superb performance at the National Finals held at Repton School in Derbyshire on Thursday 2nd July 2026.

The team consisting of Brandon P, Mayr B-D and Oscar V (Year 9), alongside Alexander L (Year 8) all earned their place at the National Finals after an outstanding run through the knockout stages, defeating Bedford School, Coopers' Company & Coborn School, Northampton School, King's Ely and Solihull School.

In the semi-final against Collegiate School, played in challenging windy conditions, Brentwood got off to an electric start. Brandon and Mayr both delivered impressive singles victories before Alex and Oscar followed with confident wins of their own, giving the team a commanding 4-0 lead after the singles rubbers. The momentum continued into the doubles, where both Brentwood pairings completed convincing victories to seal a perfect 6-0 win and book their place in the National Final against Merchant Taylors' who had overcome hosts Repton School in the other semi-final.

The final proved to be a thrilling contest. Brandon produced an exceptional performance against Merchant Taylors' first seed, absorbing his opponent's powerful attacking game before counter-punching brilliantly to claim an impressive 6-0 victory. Mayr also rose to the occasion, showing composure and power throughout to secure a hard-fought 6-2 win and give Brentwood a 2-0 advantage.

Merchant Taylors’ fought back in the remaining singles. Alex faced an extremely solid opponent who proved difficult to break down, while Oscar battled superbly in a closely contested match before narrowly losing 6-4. With the scores level at 2-2 the national title would be decided by the doubles.

Brandon and Mayr set the tone in spectacular fashion, combining powerful serving, clinical volleying and outstanding defensive play to record a dominant 6-1 victory, leaving Brentwood just one win away from history. Despite their earlier singles defeats, Alex and Oscar responded with tremendous resilience and teamwork in the deciding doubles match. Their confident serving, excellent net play and determination earned a brilliant 6-4 victory, sealing a 4-2 overall triumph and crowning Brentwood School National Champions.

This remarkable achievement marks the first national tennis title in Brentwood School's history and is a fitting reward for the team's hard work, dedication and resilience throughout the competition.

Reflecting on the historic success, Mr Simpson-Crick, Head of Tennis Academy, said: "Our school is incredibly proud of this resilient performance from our talented young players. They fought hard to compete for every point across many matches en route to this win and we are so pleased that all the hard work and positive energy has paid off. We really appreciate all the support from parents and staff who have been there for the players and, as Brentwood's first national tennis title, this achievement will go down in the history books. The boys can be so proud of this amazing feat, but have also created memories that will last a lifetime."

Congratulations to Brandon, Mayr, Oscar and Alex on an unforgettable achievement that has written a new chapter in Brentwood School sporting history.

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