Top 10 Best Schools in Brentwood

Education in Brentwood: A Strong Tradition

Brentwood has a long and proud educational heritage. The borough is home to one of England's oldest independent schools, a range of high-performing state secondary schools, respected faith schools and well-regarded primary schools. Combined with green surroundings and fast links to London, this strong education offer makes Brentwood one of the most popular destinations in Essex for families with children.

Choosing the right school is a highly personal decision. Parents consider academic results, pastoral care, extracurricular opportunities, school ethos, facilities, admissions criteria and travel distance. This guide highlights ten schools that consistently attract positive attention, though families should always visit schools, review the latest inspection reports and check admissions arrangements directly.

How We Selected These Schools

Our list includes a mix of primary, secondary and all-through schools across the Borough of Brentwood and its immediate surroundings. We considered academic reputation, breadth of curriculum, extracurricular activities, pastoral support, facilities and community standing.

The Top 10 Schools in Brentwood

1. Brentwood School

Founded in 1557, Brentwood School is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the region. It educates pupils from the early years through to sixth form and is known for its strong academic results, extensive sports facilities, outstanding music and drama, and a wide choice of co-curricular activities. Its historic campus near the town centre blends heritage buildings with modern facilities.

2. Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School

Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School is a Catholic girls' secondary school with a co-educational sixth form. It has a reputation for strong academic performance and a caring, values-led environment. Students benefit from a broad curriculum, strong pastoral care and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.

3. Shenfield High School

Shenfield High School is a large and popular co-educational secondary school with a sixth form. It is known for strong academic results, an extensive range of subjects and excellent performing arts and sports provision. Its inclusive ethos and high expectations make it a favourite among local families.

4. St Martin's School

St Martin's School in Hutton is a co-educational secondary school with a sixth form. It is respected for its supportive community, strong teaching and focus on developing well-rounded students. The school offers a broad curriculum and numerous extracurricular clubs.

5. Brentwood County High School

Brentwood County High School is a well-established co-educational secondary school and sixth form near the town centre. It offers a wide curriculum, strong pastoral systems and a commitment to helping every student achieve their potential, with particular strength in creative and practical subjects.

6. Becket Keys Church of England School

Becket Keys Church of England School is a popular secondary school and sixth form with a Christian ethos that welcomes families of all faiths and none. It is known for high expectations, strong discipline and a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement and personal growth.

7. Anglo European School

Located in nearby Ingatestone, the Anglo European School is renowned for its international outlook. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma alongside other qualifications and places strong emphasis on modern languages and global citizenship. Its international exchanges and cultural programmes make it a distinctive choice.

8. Herington House School

Herington House School is an independent preparatory school in Hutton offering a nurturing environment for younger children. Small class sizes, individual attention and a broad curriculum help pupils build strong foundations and prepare for the next stage of their education.

9. St Helen's Catholic Junior School

St Helen's Catholic Junior School serves the Catholic community of Brentwood with a values-driven education for primary-aged pupils. It is known for a warm, inclusive atmosphere, strong teaching and close links with the parish and Brentwood Cathedral community.

10. Endeavour School

Endeavour School is a special school serving pupils with a range of learning needs. It provides tailored teaching, therapeutic support and life skills programmes, helping students develop independence and confidence in a caring environment. Its specialist provision is an important part of Brentwood's education landscape.

Trends in Brentwood Education

Schools across Brentwood are embracing digital learning, with technology integrated into classrooms and homework platforms. There is also a growing emphasis on wellbeing and mental health support, with many schools offering counselling, mentoring and mindfulness programmes.

The inspection framework has evolved, with report cards offering a more detailed picture of school performance across several areas rather than a single headline grade. Parents are encouraged to read full reports to understand each school's strengths.

Demand for school places in Brentwood remains high, reflecting the borough's popularity with families. Many schools operate catchment areas or faith-based admissions criteria, so early research is essential.

Tips for Choosing a School in Brentwood

Attend open days and evenings to get a feel for each school's culture. Speak to current parents and pupils. Review admissions criteria carefully, especially for faith schools and oversubscribed schools. Consider the journey to school and transport options. For independent schools, check entrance assessment requirements, bursary availability and fees well in advance.

Final Thoughts

Brentwood offers an exceptional variety of schools, from the historic Brentwood School to high-performing state schools like Shenfield High School and Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, and distinctive options such as the Anglo European School. Whatever your child's needs and interests, the borough provides outstanding opportunities for learning and growth.