Brentwood School

Brentwood School continues to perform exceptionally well, maintaining the high standards identified in its previous inspection. As a special school for pupils with complex learning difficulties, it excels in providing a supportive environment where all pupils feel valued and can thrive. With a rich curriculum designed to cater to the specific needs of its students, the school emphasizes both academic learning and the development of life skills necessary for adulthood. This includes personalized careers guidance and opportunities for community engagement, fostering independence among pupils. However, while most pupils make good progress, there are occasions when lesson activities do not fully align with individual learning goals. This oversight has the potential to hinder the learning progress of a minority of students. Overall, Brentwood School is well-respected within the community, with a strong reputation among parents and a dedicated staff ensuring that students receive the care and education they need.

Strengths

• Pupils love attending school and feel supported by staff.
• The school curriculum is well-designed for pupils with SEND.
• Effective preparation for adulthood is integrated into the students' learning.
• Staff know their pupils exceptionally well and utilize EHC plans for targeted support.
• Strong emphasis on communication and language development.
• Pupils achieve recognized awards and qualifications.
• Rigorous oversight by governors helps maintain high standards.
• Staff receive high-quality training to meet pupils' needs.

Areas for Improvement

• Occasional ineffective use of assessment information for lesson planning.

In 2024–25 pupils at Brentwood School attended 89.9% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 27.9% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at Brentwood School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Brentwood School had 6.1 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 0.0% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Brentwood School had 185 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; autistic spectrum disorder.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Brentwood School received £29,271 and spent £29,383 for each of its 185 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £216,000 (£1,168 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

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• Secondary Schools

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What is Brentwood School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Brentwood School is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2025.

When was Brentwood School last inspected by Ofsted?

Brentwood School was last inspected in March 2025.

How many pupils does Brentwood School have?

Brentwood School has 185 pupils on roll.

What age range does Brentwood School cover?

Brentwood School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

Where is Brentwood School?

Brentwood School is at Cherry Lane, Sale, Cheshire, M33 4GY.