Our school provides an education for nearly 1500 students, 300 of them being in the Sixth Form. The staff creates a flourishing environment in which the students can learn. Concern for each child is paramount as we seek to develop the unique talents of each student. Brentside High School is a highly successful school, acknowledged by its local community for ensuring that each student reaches his or her full potential.
Your child will benefit greatly from exceptional care, guidance and support, high-quality teaching and learning, and state-of-the-art resources. The school provides a well-ordered, happy learning environment that will secure the highest possible standards of achievement for all, through an appropriate curriculum that prepares our diverse student intake for the responsibilities of adult life.
Our motto underpins everything we do in school from ensuring that all our students are encouraged to achieve their full potential, in and out of the classroom, to the continuing professional development of our highly qualified staff. Brentside High School challenges all to achieve excellence as lifelong learners with the highest expectations of themselves and others. No exceptions, no excuses. Brentside High School lives up to its vision of high expectations for all, with ‘no exceptions no excuses. Equality of opportunity sits at the heart of that ambition and is demonstrated through progress made by all groups of students.
Brentside High School’s House System encourages and fosters teamwork, participation, and sportsmanship in all areas of school life. The sense of community within each of the houses encourages a feeling of identity and belonging. The House System reinforces the ethos and spirit of the school, ‘learning and achieving together. On arrival at Brentside, each student is allocated to a house composed of students from all years and tutor groups. Siblings will be placed in the same houses. Each house is led by a Head of House from the staff and an elected House Leader from the Sixth Form.
Each year group has a House Leader who represents the views of their year at the House Council Meetings. Their role involves organizing teams, engaging others in activities, and helping the House Leader. They are also on hand to offer moral support to the participating members of their team.
Students can contribute to their house totals in several ways, both in and out of the classroom. House merits are given for outstanding effort and achievement. These are recorded and individual, tutor group, and whole-house prizes will be awarded at the end of the year. House merits are also awarded for excellent attendance.
We offer all students the same subject framework, but the detail of what is taught, at what levels, and the approaches used, differ according to the ability and achievement levels of the individual students. Students who have Special Educational Needs are helped by the Learning Support Service both within the mainstream classroom and/or on a withdrawal basis.
Students follow the National Curriculum core subjects, which are: English mathematics science computing and information and communication technology (ICT) art and design and technology food technology textiles modern foreign languages (French or Spanish) geography history citizenship, and physical education (PE). Students also study personal, social, and health education (PSHE), drama, music, and religious studies.
All students follow a balanced curriculum comprising a National Curriculum core together with additional subjects. The curriculum at Key Stage 4 will be tailored in places, to support individuals' strengths, abilities, and interests. All students follow courses in English Literature, mathematics, PE, RS, citizenship and PSHE, science (comprising biology, chemistry, and physics), and art, craft, and design. All courses lead to full GCSE certification or equivalent. Also, GCSE or equivalent courses in the following subjects are currently part of the curriculum in Years 9,10, and 11: further mathematics French Spanish history geography music drama health & social care textiles photography graphic products 3D design computing catering, and media studies. We also offer additional support lessons and some students follow vocational courses part-time at college.
