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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06 Jul 2026

Brentwood School’s Class of 2026 Celebrates Outstanding IB Results

Established in 1968 to foster open and enlightened minds, the IB Diploma is now taught in almost 5,000 schools across 153 countries and remains one of the most respected and rigorous educational programmes worldwide. While the global average typically hovers around 30-31 points, Brentwood School’s Class of 2026 has achieved an average of 37 points (prior to remarks). This performance is set to maintain Brentwood’s firmly established position as one of the Top IB Schools in the UK.

Behind the statistics are incredible individual success stories of students who are now poised to take their places at some of the world's most prestigious higher education institutions, both in the UK and overseas.

The lure of North American universities, with their outstanding reputations and facilities, has proven strong for the IB Class of 2026 at Brentwood. Chloe D was one of several Brentwood students who navigated the complexities of the US application process to secure multiple offers. She will soon be packing her bags as she heads off to the Ivy League Cornell University to study Engineering, having achieved an impressive 43 points. Hoping to join Chloe on the other side of the ‘Pond’ - albeit with a slightly longer journey - will be Annie C, who is seeking a place at UCLA. Venturing further North, Artur S will be spending the next few years at McGill University in Montreal.

With an impressive 39 points in hand, James M is looking to study Social & Data Sciences. In a brilliant display of the positive mindset cultivated at school, James actually predicted his exact score weeks ago, leaving the number 39 written on his fridge door throughout the waiting period. "That’s what Brentwood taught me," James said of his focused approach. He now looks forward to celebrating his achievements while cheering England on in the FIFA World Cup.

James is just one of many success stories this year. His peers have secured places at prestigious universities spanning the length of the UK, from the South Coast and London through to the Midlands and the North of England. As befits the IB Diploma, this cohort illustrates the breadth of interests found at Brentwood. Students for whom Medicine, Maths and Engineering degree choices await have worked closely over the past two years with those whose passions lie in the creative arts and will study digital media, acting, creative writing and directing, as well as those going on to further their knowledge and understanding of the traditional humanities and social sciences, including History, Theology/Philosophy and Psychology.

Alvira K, who achieved 42 points and an impressive set of top grades in her Higher Level subjects, will continue her journey towards becoming a Medic. Alvira was one of 4 students from the cohort of 21 who achieved 40 points or more, alongside Tilin F (40), Chloe D (43) and top-scorer Fin T (44).

Fin’s heart is set on a career in teaching, a goal now one step closer with a place secured to read History at the University of Warwick. Despite being predicted such a high points tally, Fin said: “I worked very hard for it but didn’t really believe it would happen!”

In typical Brentwood fashion, academic brilliance did not come at the expense of a rich school life. The Class of 2026 threw themselves wholeheartedly into the co-curricular life of the school, proving that true IB students are as well-rounded as they are intellectually curious. From the sports fields and concert halls to holding vital student leadership positions, this cohort embodied the true spirit of global citizenship. Several also served in leadership roles, including Kateryna S, who was Head of our Girls’ Boarding House, while Alvira K, Tilin F, and James M were all Deputy Heads of School.

Kateryna, who is heading north to study Theatre writing, director, performance at York, set out with two clear goals: to earn her IB Diploma and secure her place at university. On Sunday, a very relieved and very happy Kateryna did exactly that.

"Our IB students never cease to impress us," said Mr Jonathan Barfield Moore, Deputy Head Academic. "They don't just study the curriculum; they live it. To see students achieving world-class marks while leading school societies, starring in productions, or captaining teams is a testament to their incredible time-management and resilience."

Mrs Hollie Carter, Director of IB, expressed immense pride in the cohort's journey: "The IB Diploma is a demanding framework designed to create thoughtful, analytical global citizens. The Class of 2026 has embraced this challenge with grace and ambition. They leave us not just with excellent results, but with the critical thinking skills needed to change the world."

Reflecting on their growth within the wider school community, Mr Timothy Sellers, Director of Sixth Form, added: "This year group has set a fantastic example for the younger years. They have successfully balanced the immense academic rigour of the IB with a vibrant commitment to the wider life of the School, all while stepping up as compassionate, proactive leaders."

Closing the celebrations, Headmaster Michael Bond offered his congratulations to the departing cohort: "These IB results reflect the hard work our students have put in over the past two years, as well as the dedicated support given to them by my colleagues. I do not doubt that they will go on to take their place in the world as leaders and change-makers: in addition to their excellent academic outcomes, they have also shown leadership, integrity, and kindness during their time with us. We wish them the very best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their personal journey, and we will be rooting for them all as they do so.’’

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