Our first class facilities

Celebrating a Transformational Rebuild at Brentwood County High School

Between 2020 and 2023, Brentwood County High School underwent a transformative £27 million redevelopment funded by the Department for Education. This ambitious project has delivered a full rebuild and refurbishment of the school, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities that now place BCHS at the forefront of modern education.

A New Era of Learning

The redevelopment includes a brand-new Creative Arts block, offering exceptional spaces for art, music, performing arts, construction, food technology, IT and computing. Alongside this sits a new Science and Maths block, equipped with high‑quality laboratories and contemporary teaching spaces. Every classroom features advanced digital screens, supporting dynamic, high‑quality teaching and learning across the curriculum.

Government Recognition and Early Impact

In December 2022, Baroness Barran, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, visited the school ahead of the official opening. She praised the project and highlighted the positive impact already visible in the school community, noting an increase in students choosing to study science subjects. Reflecting on her conversations with students, she remarked:

“What has come through is the quality of education - it’s just easier to teach well in a really well set up modern, warm classroom.”

Official Opening Celebration - March 2024

On Friday 15th March 2024, the school proudly welcomed esteemed guests to celebrate the official opening of the new facilities. The event was led by Brentwood and Ongar MP Alex Burghart, joined by Mayor Cllr Dr Gareth Barrett, Osborne Co‑operative Academy CEO Paul Griffiths, Executive Headteacher Sharon Jenner, trustees, and school governors. Guests met with students before the ceremony, gaining first-hand insight into how the new environment is enriching their learning experience.

MP Alex Burghart reflected on the significance of the project:

“It is great to see how investment from the Department for Education can transform a local school for the benefit of its pupils, staff and, more broadly, Brentwood. Brentwood County High School’s buildings have always been magnificent, and the nine years of planning, design and sheer hard work have made them into buildings ready for the future, while retaining their heritage appeal.

My congratulations to Janet Clark and Dave Richardson for overseeing such a daunting project over the best part of a decade, and all the school staff who have been able to keep the school running successfully amidst the major building works.

It is really the best of the old alongside the best of the new… I hope the refurbishment will offer the same level of education and memories for the young people of our town for another 98 years.”

A Vision for the Future

Mrs Sharon Jenner, Trust Executive Headteacher, celebrated the achievement and its long‑term significance:

“The transformation of our school facilities has been a truly remarkable feat. From state-of-the-art classrooms to cutting‑edge laboratories, we have created an environment that provides our students with teaching spaces of the highest quality. Our excellent facilities will enable our students to be inspired and empowered to reach their full potential.

As we gather to celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on the impact these facilities will have on the lives of students both now and in the future, benefiting the school community and Brentwood as a whole. Together, we will continue to provide every student with the opportunities they need to thrive and succeed in life.”