Essex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/2-6.jpg" alt="Brentwood Prep School Head Jason Whiskerd" class="wp-image-11261" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/2-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/2-6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/2-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-class-sizes-matter">Do class sizes matter?</h2>



<p>Of course; it&#8217;s important every child feels they&#8217;re known and <a href="https://www.brentwoodschool.co.uk/prep-3-11-/welcome-to-prep/welcome-to-prep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valued in our Essex prep school</a>. Although the form teachers play a significant role in caring for their class, it&#8217;s the regular interactions that make a difference in a family-focused prep school like Brentwood. It also helps to aid in their learning. We&#8217;ve 584 pupils in total, age three to 11, with no more than 16 pupils per class in Foundation rising to a maximum of 22 in Y3 to Y6. We also make a point of greeting pupils at the gate each morning. Here, we chat to them in the playground at break. We listen to what they tell us.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-1.jpg" alt="Lesson Brentwood Prep School" class="wp-image-11626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are character and growth mindset nurtured? </h2>



<p>Our school motto of Virtue, Learning and Manners shows we want pupils to be confident without being arrogant. Here at Brentwood we make sure pupils look out for each other and do the right thing. At our Essex prep school you’ll see a footballer enjoying lunch with a chorister and a dancer running a recycling project with a chess player. We also teach our pupils to persevere after setbacks, and to challenge the norm. Asking questions and taking control of their own learning is also always encouraged. These are the life skills that stick with them long after they leave Brentwood.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/9.jpg" alt="Chess at Brentwood Prep School " class="wp-image-11616" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/9-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What does the curriculum cover?</h2>



<p>Alongside a knowledge-rich curriculum, at Brentwood STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) is fundamental. Pupils are taught the methods, processes and uses of science through discrete teaching and the STEAM approach. We also develop the application and use of science with extra-curricular opportunities such as Space Camp, Young Engineers and Robotics Club. Coding is taught, with algorithms introduced to our youngest children, as well as in our co-curricular and activities programme. We also believe children should be outward looking, and what better way is there to achieve this than exposing them to languages and cultures of other countries? Modern languages are vital, so our children are introduced to French, Spanish, German, Chinese and Latin.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/7.jpg" alt="Science at Brentwood Prep School" class="wp-image-11614" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is life like outside the classroom?</h2>



<p>We have a wonderful EYFS setting with access to a much admired outdoor area for our youngest pupils in our Foundation Year. Our Forest School at Brentwood is also well loved. It focuses on the children’s holistic development, with problem-solving activities where pupils manage their own risks and emotions.</p>



<p>We also have innovative approaches to Academic Enrichment, which is fully inclusive and available to all pupils within the timetable. This allows our pupils to develop a wide skill set and to also learn that trying new things – and sometimes failing in them – is a great mindset to have.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/1-1.jpg" alt="Pupils at Brentwood Prep School" class="wp-image-11627" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/1-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/1-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s all about balance at our Essex prep school – work hard on the academics and also embrace the co-curricular opportunities. Our extensive ACES (Arts, Community, Enrichment and Sport) co-curricular programme is available to Y1 to Y6 pupils. This provides activities and clubs that allow pupils to foster existing and new passions. From mindfulness to sign language, LAMDA to outdoor activities and a plethora of sport, there&#8217;s something for all. We also offer an inclusive Academic and Co-Curricular Enrichment Programme which all KS2 children participate, in rotation, in a co-curricular strand.&nbsp;This is in addition to what is often the highlight of the school year. A week off timetable to enjoy an Enrichment Week, the centrepiece of which is the Y6 overseas residential.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-1.jpg" alt="Music at Brentwood Prep School" class="wp-image-11629" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How are you preparing kids for the future?</h2>



<p>We do this in many ways, starting with our class House system. This creates a sense of community and belonging, providing leadership opportunities; a vital quality for later life. It also generates co-curricular opportunities where students can represent their House, great for social skills. It also supports our pastoral work.&nbsp;We focus on annual House events, allowing for collaborations between all year groups; and House-themed weeks to support the local community and wider charities.&nbsp;This year we also introduced our House system to our Year 1 and 2 pupils for the first time; greatly appreciated by the children. We&#8217;ve also added two extra houses, lowering the number of pupils in each house and allowing the children greater one-to-one interaction with the house tutors and staff team allocated to each.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2.jpg" alt="Learning at Brentwood Prep School" class="wp-image-11618" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How inclusive is the sport?</h2>



<p>We want to inspire all pupils to find something they may enjoy for life. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in anything from football and cricket, swimming to gymnastics, and athletics to tennis. Sports play a huge part in our curricular and co-curricular activities. We aim to build the early foundation of fundamental movements; and to develop the character and technical skills to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It&#8217;s also important every child has the opportunity to represent their school in all of the major sports.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/Untitled-design-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11679" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/Untitled-design-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/Untitled-design-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/Untitled-design-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/Untitled-design-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-wellbeing-a-priority">Is wellbeing a priority?</h2>



<p>We constantly look for ways at Brentwood Prep School to make sure all pupils thrive. We think of ourselves as having a small school feel but with big school opportunities. When the expansion of the Prep was first considered, it was vital we maintained this intimate and personal feel. We did this to maintain and enhance the pastoral and personal experience of each pupil. We&#8217;ve improved pupil to staff ratios and we&#8217;ve restructured the leadership with additional Deputies and Heads of Year, allowing more scope for teams to get to know their pupils. We recently introduced a Pastoral Mentor, an inclusive Enrichment programme and many other opportunities. Also, in September 2023 we&#8217;ll introduce a Director of Pastoral Care and Pupil Wellbeing, as well as Director of EYFS. With age-specific expertise, they will champion the needs of our youngest pupils.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/7-5.jpg" alt="Virtual reality at Brentwood Prep School" class="wp-image-11265" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/7-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/7-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/7-5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/02/7-5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What about the practical stuff?</h2>



<p>We use two platforms to communicate with parents. Firstly, regular emails, plus a portal where they can view school reports, timetables, menus and information regarding their child’s day. The portal also has an area for all emails we send home to be stored. We do this so parents get emails directly, but are also archived on their portal profile for ease.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5.jpg" alt="Mealtimes at Brentwood Prep School " class="wp-image-11620" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/03/5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><em>Want to know more? Read our review of <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/brentwood-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood School here</a>. The school&#8217;s next Whole School Open Morning (Prep and Senior) is on 10 June 2023</em>.</p>


School work! What to know when searching for an Essex prep

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