Brentside High School, located in Hanwell, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in February 2020. The leadership team at Brentside High School maintains high expectations for student happiness and success, aiming for pupils to excel across a diverse range of subjects. Students express loyalty to the school, appreciating the dedication and expertise of their teachers, as well as the additional support provided for their studies. The school environment is reported to be safe, with staff ensuring that students feel secure and have trusted adults to approach with any concerns.
The school offers numerous opportunities for students to explore new interests through various trips and subject clubs. Special events, such as applied learning days, allow pupils to engage in activities with visiting theatre groups, enterprise projects, and health and well-being workshops. Students take pride in their successful fundraising efforts for charity. Respect among pupils is evident, although there are instances where distractions occur due to challenging work. Teachers effectively manage classroom disruptions, and incidents of bullying are infrequent and addressed promptly. Leaders work thoughtfully with students who require assistance in managing their behavior.
Brentside High School has clear and ambitious plans for student achievement in each subject, with well-established routines that help students review and reinforce prior learning before tackling more complex concepts. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which captivates and inspires students, particularly in the sixth form. The school emphasizes the development of literacy and numeracy across all subjects, ensuring consistent explanations and utilizing a variety of resources to enhance students' understanding of technical vocabulary.
Leaders regularly assess the quality of subject planning and ensure that the national curriculum requirements are met for Years 7 and 8 before students progress to GCSE studies. Teachers monitor student achievement closely, using this information to inform their planning and provide necessary support. The school has implemented specific projects to improve attendance and behavior, resulting in positive outcomes for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs.
While the school excels in many areas, there is some variation in the implementation of leaders' plans across different subjects. Although teachers have high expectations, some students struggle to grasp complex content due to gaps in their understanding of foundational concepts. This can lead to distractions, but staff provide the necessary support to help students refocus.
Brentside High School offers a wide range of opportunities for students to prepare for future education and employment. From Year 7 onwards, students are introduced to skills relevant to the workforce, including mock interviews and interactions with professionals. Sixth form students value work experience opportunities and feel well-informed about their subject options.
Students thrive on taking responsibility and engage positively with peers from different year groups. The student cabinet plays a role in suggesting improvements to the school, and sixth formers enjoy mentoring younger students. However, some clubs and activities are limited to younger pupils, and older students have expressed a desire for more opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities.
Leaders, including governors, have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They have made changes to policies and practices to reduce staff workload. The safeguarding arrangements at Brentside High School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding promoted throughout the school. Staff receive regular training and are well-prepared to address any concerns regarding student safety. Overall, Brentside High School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its students.
