About us

The simple truth is - happy children learn best - so we focus on giving our pupils a positive start in their education; a positive beginning that will influence the rest of their lives.

Right from the age of 3, we welcome children into a community that is small enough to feel secure, but large enough to offer a huge breadth of experiences. Pupils are encouraged to be enterprising and develop their own ideas. Whether they are taking part in the School Council or joining in one of the many clubs, sports and drama activities, our pupils soon develop their own sense of responsibility. They learn to care about their work, to value their contribution to the wider school community and through many pupil-led fundraising initiatives, their eyes are opened to the world beyond school.

Our pupils achieve excellent results in their academic work. We find that teachers’ high expectations are met with pupils’ enthusiasm. Brentwood pupils are consistently at the top of the field for the National Curriculum tests at age 11, and a large proportion achieve scholarships at the same age. Every Year group has teachers who combine expertise in their field with a love of their subject, so lessons are full of energy and depth.

With an average class size of 20, staff are able to pay close attention to the development of each child and adapt what they deliver to an individual’s needs. Children who are particularly able in a subject are challenged to go further with their skills and ideas, and those who might be finding something harder to understand are given focused help. We study all the National Curriculum subjects plus French and Latin. As they move up the school, our pupils are given tasks that require more independent study and research. We also cultivate a sound work ethic in preparation for senior school.

Classroom learning is regularly enhanced with trips and visits around this country and abroad. Our extensive academic enrichment programme provides a wide range of opportunities for students to engage with, instilling a thirst for knowledge in them that remains beyond their time here. There is a range of subject-specific clubs and societies which aims to stimulate and extend students with a particular subject passion as well as some that are more focused on broadening interests and knowledge. Our enrichment provision is inclusive in nature and we encourage all students to take part in activities and societies which they might find interesting. There is something for everyone.

Latest news

14 Jan 2025

Brentwood School Starlet Shines in Hollywood Film

Brentwood School is celebrating the success of one of its Year 9 students, Delilah O'Riordan, whose acting career continues to go from strength to strength.

14 Jan 2025

Brentwood School Starlet Shines in Hollywood Film

Already a seasoned actress, Delilah is making her big-screen debut in the much-anticipated feature film Here, set to hit UK cinemas on 17th January. Directed by the legendary Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, The Polar Express), Here stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Michelle Dockery, and Gwylim Lee.

Thirteen-year-old Delilah, a Performing Arts and Academic Scholar, plays the daughter of Michelle Dockery and Gwylim Lee’s characters, and showcases her musical talents in the film, performing a violin piece composed by Alan Silvestri.

Her journey to this major cinematic role has been marked by an impressive portfolio of performances. Delilah made her Netflix debut in the 2022 festive comedy-drama Christmas on Mistletoe Farm and appeared in an episode of the beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife. She appeared in a West End production of Les Misérables, and also starred as Lily Potter Jnr in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in the West End.

Delilah shared her excitement about her role in Here: “Being part of Here was an incredible experience. I started costume appointments four months before filming, and even this was magical. Joanna Johnson is so talented and knowledgeable and designed the most special costumes for me. I felt so beautiful wearing the outfits, and part of me wishes we still wore styles from 1918 today.

“The violin piece I played was composed especially by Alan Silvestri, and the props department created a violin fitting for the time period – I wasn’t allowed to use a rest to play! Bob Zemeckis, the director, is a warm and kind man with a very clear vision of his aims. I very much enjoyed being directed by him and discussing my character with him.

“My parents are played by Michelle Dockery and Gwylim Lee, and I loved my time with them both as they are such talented and delightful people. The days of filming at Pinewood Studios fell right next to my opening in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End, so I had the most incredible few weeks!

“I feel extremely lucky to have been part of this production and met so many wonderful people from my drivers to all the people on set. I will always treasure the memories of this experience and am looking forward to watching it on Friday.”

Here is a groundbreaking film, exploring the events that unfold in one specific location over time. Filmed entirely from a single, fixed camera perspective, the production uses advanced technology to alter the age of the characters as the story progresses. Though innovative in approach, the film remains a heartwarming and emotional narrative, ending on a poignant note.

Brentwood School’s Director of Performing Arts, Mr Florian Cooper, expressed the school’s pride in Delilah’s accomplishments: “Delilah is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, talent, and passion. We are incredibly proud of her achievements both on stage and screen, and we look forward to watching her career continue to flourish.”

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08 Aug 2024

Checkmate! Max Crowned British Under 16 Chess Champion!

Brentwood School Year 9 chess aficionado Max Pert has outmanoeuvred his opponents to claim the title of British Under 16 Chess Champion!

08 Aug 2024

Checkmate! Max Crowned British Under 16 Chess Champion!

The British Chess Championships, held in Hull from July 25th to August 4th, saw Max remain unbeaten throughout the tournament, finishing with a score of 5.5/7 (4 wins and 3 draws). His pivotal victory came in Round 5, where he executed a meticulously calculated win against fellow England International, Zain Patel. This crucial win allowed Max the luxury of being able to draw his final 2 games to take the title.

The Under 16 Championships spanned 7 days, with one round played each day. Each game could last up to 4 hours, with players matched against opponents of a similar score.

In addition, Max’s sister Nina, a Year 11 student, also excelled, winning the British Under 16 Girls’ Championship, marking her impressive fifth National Girls’ Championship title.

Both Nina and Max impressed in the Major Open at the British Championships, tying for 10th place out of 125 players with a score of 6/9.

Max and Nina have long been stalwarts of Brentwood School chess and the Senior School team includes other former Prep School players (some of whom Max taught to play).

Brentwood School’s Head of Chess, Robin Slade, expressed his delight, stating: "I was thrilled for Max. He thoroughly deserved his first National Championship. Max works incredibly hard at his chess and remains humble about his success. He also possesses a rare talent for coaching and inspiring his friends and fellow students."

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26 Jul 2024

Alice Goodfellow appointed new Prep Head

We are delighted that Mrs Alice Goodfellow has been appointed Head of Brentwood Preparatory School with effect from September 2024.

26 Jul 2024

Alice Goodfellow appointed new Prep Head

Mrs Goodfellow, who is currently Deputy Head Staffing, Co-curricular and Operations at Brentwood Senior School, takes up the reins on the retirement of Jason Whiskerd.

Announcing Mrs Goodfellow’s appointment, the Chairman of the Brentwood School Board of Governors, Lord (Guy) Black of Brentwood, said: “Our priority was to appoint an outstanding leader and academic who could continue to build on the stewardship of Jason Whiskerd who we thank for his outstanding service to Brentwood Prep School over the past 13 years.”

Brentwood School Headmaster, Michael Bond, said: “Having worked closely with Mrs Goodfellow over the past five years, I can think of no one better to take over from Mr Whiskerd following his distinguished tenure.”

Alongside her Senior School responsibilities, Mrs Goodfellow teaches Religious Education in the Prep School and has been instrumental in leading a number of developments across the 3-18 age range, including Teaching and Learning, Staff Development and Sport. Mrs Goodfellow began her teaching career after working as a policy advisor on climate change and sustainability for the Department of Communities and Local Government and quickly found her passion in education.

Prior to joining Brentwood in April 2019, Mrs Goodfellow held the Vice Principal responsibilities for Teaching and Learning and for Curriculum at The UCL Academy in Camden, London and beforehand was an Assistant Head at Hendon School in North West London. Mrs Goodfellow holds two Master’s degrees - Globalisation and Postnational Communication from SOAS and an MA in Education from the Institute of Education. She stays up to date with developments in high quality teaching through her position on the Assessment Board for the Chartered College of Teaching.

Parents and colleagues learnt of Mrs Goodfellow’s appointment in November 2023, since when she has taken advantage of both proximity and time to ensure a seamless transition. With the new academic year fast approaching, Mrs Goodfellow expressed her excitement at starting this new role: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as the next Head of Brentwood Prep School and I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and innovation that has defined our school.”

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