Brentside Primary Academy

"I've held off on reviewing this school. However, after speaking to other parents of children at this school and hearing their stories, families who are looking for schools should know the truth. I took my child out to homeschool them. As time goes on I am realizing how many gaps they have in their education that no one ever bothered to inform me about, and this is very frustrating. Things that were ignored and brushed under the rug because no one cared. Let me begin by saying this school gets one star for a childminding establishment. That's really all it is...kids are kept alive and safe, but little to no actual learning really happens. Classes are taught and that's it. Students are not offered any extra help if they need it. Parents are expected to pick up the slack and basically do everything, which is ridiculous. The child is in school for 6-7 hours, they should be learning *something*. My experience was the teachers were very unprofessional and seem very unqualified. They seriously lack passion and creativity. The office staff is rude. There is very little to no transparency as to what the children are even learning, and how they are progressing. Teachers act unapproachable after school, when you should be able to take them aside and have a brief word with them. Just bizarre!!! The "parent/teacher conference" was a pathetic two minute phone call where I was given a very unprofessional and vague explanation of my child's progress. When I tried to speak to my child's teacher outside of this, I was told I couldn't. Instead the headteacher called me and basically told me everything I wanted to hear to shut me up. "Covid" was frequently the excuse made for any inconsistencies. The online homework/distance learning platform, "Purple Mash" is very poor. Not user friendly at all, and comes off as being very cheap. If you don't have a desktop computer with a large screen, it is very difficult to use. No physical homework is given and instead students are instructed to use the platform, of which I really found zero benefit in the activities on it. Never once was a single graded paper sent home. I took my child out since to homeschool them. As time goes on I am realizing how many gaps they have in their education that no one ever bothered to inform me about, and this is very frustrating. A high percentage of students at this school are from immigrant families/families who English is not their first language. I really think this is how they get away with what they do, as the families literally don't know any better. Very shocking and shameful, really. Their slogan, "Putting Children First," is very deceptive. My experience was that the staff was put first. They are very defensive of any criticism. Do your homework before putting your child in this school and check out the others in the area first. There may be a couple teachers that are okay, but overall the school is run extremely poorly."

"Awful school especially for non white non Christian children Everything is hidden from parents My sons lost coat wasn't given back until the end of the year as that's when they hand out lost items Teachers impose dress code on children but look like they're taking the rubbish out (including management) or worse as if they are going to a night club Teachers especially management lie Please avoid I strongly suggest Mayfield head Teacher is 1st class"

"This is a super school. The leadership team is fantastic and the new head ensures that the children are safe. They always keep the curriculum current so that the children are always inspired to learn. Would very much recommend it."

"While I was in this school, it was fun, great, and simple, both for the school and the work provided to students. But when my year left, apparently the students get extended lunch times and pizza every lunch so it got better."

"Fantastic school, lovely & carying staff. We got lots of support from school when we needed it and any issues have been dealt with professionally and without delay. The level of education is set very high. I would definitely recommend!"