Age range. 3–11.
Number of children. Prep: 575.
Fees per term (2023-2024). £5,977.
Brentwood Preparatory School’s award-winning, multi-million pound development provides the Prep with the kind of learning spaces that most schools can only dream of. In addition, the growth of the School enables Brentwood to offer a breadth and depth of academic courses and co-curricular programmes that few schools in the country can match: maintaining a small school feel, but with big school opportunities.
A major programme of improvement works; new buildings, refurbishment and upgrading of existing buildings and improvements to external areas and landscaping, now sees the co-educational Preparatory School, which opened in 1892, at the forefront of cutting-edge educational facilities. The Prep also shares the use of Brentwood School’s chapel, indoor swimming pool, Sports Centre and world-class athletics track.
Children in EYFS and KS1 are primarily taught in the spacious Higgs Building and South Prep within very well-equipped classrooms. Entrance is by an informal assessment at age 3. With Bayman Forest as the home to our extensive Forest School programme, and the chance to participate in drama and musical performances, our EYFS and KS1 pupils are enriched with opportunities, alongside their structured curriculum.
Older children in KS2, are mainly based in Middleton Hall, an elegant building which has its own extensive grounds, sports pitches and all-weather Astroturf. Entrance is at age 7 by an academically-selective test and candidates come from a wide range of schools. Small class sizes and a team of well-qualified and specialist teachers, provide a caring and challenging environment. Designated rooms for art, design and food technologies, drama, MFL (French, Spanish, German and Chinese), ICT, music, science and our forward-thinking Futures Room provide outstanding facilities and a stimulating environment in which children can thrive.
There is an extensive programme of house and inter-school sports matches. All pupils have the opportunity to represent the school at an appropriate level. Choirs, orchestras and a variety of ensembles perform regularly both in and out of school. Every child has the opportunity to take part in a major drama production. There are a huge range of co-curricular lunchtime and after-school clubs that are offered through our ACES (Arts, Community, Enrichment, Sport) programme. All Prep pupils participate annually in Enrichment Week and weekly in our Activities Programme to complement school-based work. They also enjoy annual residential trips both at home and overseas.
The Preparatory School has a strong academic tradition and a reputation for providing an excellent all-around education. The vast majority of pupils transfer to the Senior School (founded in 1557) at age 11.
With the increase in the Preparatory School roll; expanded and re-organised Early Years facilities; new Assembly and Dining amenities; and a suite of state-of-the-art specialist teaching areas, the School is proud of its offering.
The Preparatory School offers various Foundation options and all Prep pupils, from 3 years of age, can extend their school day from 7.30 am–6.00 pm by using our Wraparound.
Charitable status. Brentwood School (part of Sir Antony Browne’s School Trust, Brentwood) is a Registered Charity, number 1153605. It exists for the purpose of educating children.