A boost in science learning at a Brentwood school following a £27m scheme

Brentwood County High School’s brand new art and science blocks, which opened last month, are part of a multi-million pound refurbishment and refurbishment. The scheme is due to be completed in late 2023.

Baroness Diana Baran, Under-Secretary of State for Parliament’s Department for Education, said the investment in Brentwood was already paying off with an increase in the number of young people at the school doing science.

She said: “I’ve spent some time talking to some of the students and what I’ve come across is the quality of education – it’s just easier to teach well in a really well-equipped, modern, warm classroom.

“It’s much more interesting for students. For example, we looked at some of the areas where buildings were already progressing. Acceptance of science is growing because students can see the quality of the facilities and all buildings will be carbon-free.

“I think it’s incredibly important for the environment, but also really motivating the students and what they care about. It creates a sense of pride to work in a school with a great environment.”

It was fantastic to visit Brentwood County High School in Essex yesterday. The young people I spoke to there told me how the new institutions really took their education to a new level. I am proud to be part of the government that is involved in the modernization of the school estate. pic.twitter.com/4W3gcv9vWm

– Diana Baran (@dianabarran) December 16, 2022

Brentwood County High School returned to a ‘good’ Ofsted rating earlier this year after eight years in the ‘requires improvement’ category.

The report, published on July 13, highlighted that pupils at the Seven Arches Road school have “high aspirations for themselves and each other” and are “working hard to achieve high levels of success”.

On top of infrastructure funding, Brentwood County High will receive a total of £3.88m in 2023/24, or £6,366 per pupil, under the National Schools Funding Formula.

The school was selected for major renovations as part of the Priority School Building 2 program, now known as the School Redevelopment Program.

Other Essex schools selected for refurbishment funding in previous rounds include King Edmund’s School, Burnt Mill Academy, Endeavor Co-operative Academy, Helena Romans School and St Mark’s Catholic School in West Essex.

Successful schools in the latest round include Chigwell Primary Academy, St John Payne Catholic School in Chelmsford and Bromfords School in Wickford.