Chessbrook Education Support Centre
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
Schools near Chessbrook Education Support Centre
| School | Distance | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| The Helix Education Centre | 4 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good |
| The Jubilee Academy | 6 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Northgate School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Roman Fields Academy | 7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Dacorum Education Support Centre | 7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
School details
- School type
- Pupil referral unit
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 5 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr Steve McShannon
- Phone
- 01923212025
- 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.