Moving forward despite the shadows cast by the Government over private education

While Brentwood School moves steadily forward with new buildings, facilities and course options, Headmaster Michael Bond explained that it is doing so “in the shadow of the government’s imposition of VAT on school fees, the removal of business rate relief, and the increase in National Insurance contributions.” He was addressing the Old Brentwoods Society dinner on March 28th.

Chairman of Governors Lord Black had spoken “with an exquisite mix of eloquence and excoriation in the House of Lords about the thinly-veiled spite, vindictiveness, and stupidity that underpins this ‘policy,’ which has punished parents who work hard and make sacrifices to send their children to our schools.

“We have made those arguments while rolling up our sleeves and focusing on the things we can control and influence,” continued Mr. Bond. “Our governors, colleagues and others have worked incredibly hard to mitigate the impact and further enhance our provision, backed by positive relationships with parents and support from the Brentwood School Foundation. So far our numbers have held up remarkably well.”

Foundation and bursaries

The work of the Brentwood School Foundation had come into sharp focus in the face of these challenges. “It is our firm belief that by developing a culture of philanthropy at Brentwood, we can raise the funds needed to honour our commitment to changing young lives through transformational bursaries.” Bursary Ambassadors Jack, Nura and Sophie exemplified the positive impact for outstanding young people who benefit from our bursary programme.

Mr Bond thanked Foundation supporters, including Guy Black, Michael Beard, Peter Clements, Christian Croll, Stephan Dilchert, Jos Hollington, Michael Jordan, Alaistair McIlwraith, Daniel and David Ox, Spencer Seaton and David Wasley. Several people were supporting the bursary initiative of Society President Jos Hollington. “We will continue to ensure that your generosity directly and immediately benefits the young people who need it.”

Facilities and achievements

The new boarding house, which will open its doors in September, will be “a fantastic addition” to the School, offering single en-suite bedrooms to international and UK students, including flexi-boarders. It will house a modern café for sixth formers. The new water garden, part-funded by the Friends of Brentwood School, had been very well received by pupils and colleagues. The wellbeing centre was scheduled to open in September 2026.

The burgeoning success of music and performing arts had been boosted by a new specialist music programme which provides elite tuition and coaching for those seeking a career in the field. The School had launched an international music competition that highlights the department’s qualities to some of the best young musicians around the world.

Brentwood’s sportsmen and women have excelled again this year. Two football teams had reached national finals, including the U15s, who claimed the ISFA trophy by defeating Lingfield College. The A and B senior boys’ golf teams had qualified for the national final. Four squash teams competed in the national plate finals. An E-sports team had been well placed in a league of 64 teams. There had been regional success in football, rugby, netball, hockey, indoor cricket, swimming and tennis.

Two public speaking teams had reached the regional finals. Three quiz teams were through to National Finals. The CCF was being refreshed and rejuvenated under Sarb Singh’s leadership.

OBs across the ages

Mr. Bond was delighted to see a 75-year age spread of Old Brentwoods. One gentleman had been at the School in 1943 while some 18 year-olds had yet to acquire OB status. He identified members of the Silent Generation (born between 1925-45), Baby Boomers (1946- 64), Generation X (1965-80), Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z (1997-2012). He provided light hearted references to the social conditions and technical developments which had affected particular generations’ times at the School---generations spanning the headships of Jimmy Hough, Ralph Allison, Richard Sale, John Evans, John Kelsall and Ian Davies. “We continue to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Thank you, as ever, for supporting your old school in so many different ways. It remains a great pleasure and privilege to be part of this wonderful place.”

New School history nears publication

The History of Brentwood School, started by the late Mike Willis, who taught many attending the evening during his 47 years’ service, should soon be available. Mike died in 2021 less than a year after retiring. However, his good friend Ian Walton, former head of modern languages and another long-serving teacher at Brentwood, has continued Mike’s work. Old Brentwoods Simon Esterson and Nigel Billen are working on editing, refining and publishing the book, hopefully before Christmas. Another tribute to Mike is the new Willis Museum, situated in the old stables within Newnum House.