Chessbrook Education Support Centre

  • Alternative provision
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 5 to 16
Ofsted: Outstanding

Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6LJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Chessbrook Education Support Centre is an alternative provision school in Watford for ages 5 to 16. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 8 May 2014, report published 6 June 2014

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 February 2024

Many pupils arrive at Chessbrook having previously had negative experiences of education. They appreciate staff taking the time to get to know their individual needs before they start. Through this careful induction, staff build a clear picture of how to re- engage pupils with their education. Pupils build incredibly positive relationships with staff. A warm greeting from staff at breakfast helps pupils to settle into the day. 'Personalised Learning Mentors' provide high quality academic and pastoral support to pupils. This helps them to build their confidence. Pupils understand this is a place of learning. They work hard in their lessons. During off- site activities, pupils strive to meet the very high expectations the school has of them. This helps pupils to focus on what they are learning and secure the knowledge and skills they need for their next steps. Pupils appreciate the many opportunities the school thoughtfully plans for them. For example, pupils learn how to box in the gym and how to use horticultural techniques in the school garden. They also learn conversational skills in the hair and beauty salon. These opportunities teach pupils valuable life skills. This in turn instils the courage, pride and resilience pupils need to be successful as they leave Chessbrook.

Pupil numbers and mix

7 pupils on roll

Eligible for free school meals42.9%

42.9%, 16.4 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language28.6%

28.6%, 7 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support100%

100%, 85.2 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan0%

0%, 6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Chessbrook Education Support Centre

SchoolDistanceOfsted
The Helix Education Centre4 milesOfsted judgements: Good
The Jubilee Academy6 milesOfsted: Outstanding
Northgate School7 milesOfsted: Outstanding
Roman Fields Academy7 milesOfsted: Outstanding
Dacorum Education Support Centre7 milesOfsted: Outstanding

School details

School type
Pupil referral unit
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
5 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mr Steve McShannon
Address
Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6LJ
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
130349

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.