Brentwood County High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Belonging is a defining feature of school life. Pupils describe a community where differences are respected and where, ‘It is ok to be different.’ Relationships between staff, pupils and families are warm, supportive and built on mutual respect. Pupils feel included in all aspects of school life, with older pupils actively supporting younger peers during key moments such as options choices. Pupils experience a school where learning is enjoyable, ambitions are high and support is strong. They speak confidently about lessons, benefiting from a well-planned curriculum. Teaching uses clear routines, modelling and retrieval to help them learn well. Those who need extra support, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive well-matched interventions. Specialist spaces such as the 'Green Room’ and ‘The House’ help them overcome barriers, build confidence and access their learning. Pupils’ attitudes and behaviour are positive. The school is calm, orderly and purposeful, with clear expectations and consistent routines. Bullying and intolerance are rare. When issues arise, teachers act quickly. Staff use them as opportunities to teach fairness, respect and right and wrong. Pupils say they feel safe, know how to seek help and trust staff to respond. As a result, pupils want to be in school, and attendance is improving. The enrichment offer further supports pupil development. Clubs, cultural trips and student-led activities provide rich experiences beyond the classroom. This is further complemented by the school's ‘circle days’. Here, activities are planned to help build cultural capital and develop character. Older pupils feel well prepared for their next steps through impartial careers advice, employer engagement and personalised guidance. The school's mantra of ‘as character grows, achievement flourishes’ underpins the school's drive to develop the whole pupil. Pupils gain a secure understanding of healthy relationships, protected characteristics and life in modern Britain. They grow into confident, considerate young people. As a result, pupils are well rounded and empowered and contribute positively to their community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that pupils have the skills and support to develop their writing so that they may convey their observations, thinking and ideas with clarity and purpose. This includes help with handwriting for those who need it.
• Leaders should ensure that good practice is consistently embedded across all classrooms to further strengthen teaching and the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that all aspects of the personal development programme are carefully tailored to the needs of pupils.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)