Our History

When you choose Brockenhurst College, you are choosing to belong to a tradition of academic excellence that spans more than a century.

Education has changed a great deal in a hundred years, but our objective to enhance lives through learning has remained constant.

This is achievable thanks to our specialist teaching staff and modern facilities, as well as our tranquil setting and positive environment, where everyone is encouraged and enabled to achieve their goals.

Our Heritage

Here is a decade-by-decade summary of how we became the unique learning institution we are today...

1910s

The organisation that became Brockenhurst College began as a small pupil-teacher centre with 18 pupils in
1913. The first long-term Headteacher was the formidable Miss Emma Clara Ward, whose attention to detail, emphasis on discipline and focus on high-level achievement quickly translated into good exam results.

1920s

A good reputation saw pupil numbers surge to 155 by 1921, and it was not long before the pupil-teacher centre was renamed Brockenhurst County School. By the mid-1920s the new school had a hall, gym, kitchen
and woodwork room. Momentum was building.

1930s

In the early 1930s the grand sum of £32,000 was spent on improving the school’s facilities. Miss Ward worked to improve educational provision until her death in 1935. She was succeeded by Mr R.H. May, who aimed to modernise learning and broaden pupils’ horizons through visiting lecturers and trips abroad.

1940s

Wartime saw an Air Training Corps, Girls Training Corps and an Army Cadet Force formed at the School. Despite the upheaval, exam results remained good, and by 1949 pupil numbers had reached 700. Dr L.R. Wood took over as Headteacher in 1949. Among other things, he introduced a focus on career planning.

1950s

By the 1950s the village of Brockenhurst was home to the largest grammar school in the country, with more than 1,000 pupils. Headteacher Dr L.R. Wood introduced the motto ‘Inter Silvas Quaerere Verum’ (to seek truth amidst the trees), which remains to this day.

1960s

In 1961 the School was educating 1,130 pupils and was rated highly. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate noted in its report: ‘This is plainly a good school both in the general standard of its academic work and in the quality of its life.’ In 1969 decision-makers opted to phase-out the lower school.

1970s

As Brockenhurst Sixth Form College was established, a new Headteacher took over. Mr A.J. Baker placed emphasis on young people’s roles in society and the development of a social conscience. By the middle of the decade the College taught post-16 learners only. This education was provided by right and not by selection.

1980s

n 1984 the ever-expanding college finally became known as Brockenhurst College. Importantly, it would now allow students to select from a wide range of subjects instead of only the standard curriculum subjects. Later in the 1980s it merged with the Central New Forest Adult Education Institute. Mr M.J. Snell became Principal in 1989.

1990s

The 1990s was a time of major investment at Brock, with a series of building programmes undertaken. There were also many curriculum innovations, including the introduction of educational provision for adults with
learning difficulties and the incorporation of three more adult learning institutes into the College.

2000s

With the new millennium came further investment in Brock’s facilities. The £3.5m Beacon Technology
Centre, serving IT, Technology, Media and Photography courses’ was officially opened in 2004. In the same year, Ofsted rated the College as ‘Outstanding’. Current Principal Mrs D. Roberts CBE was appointed in 2006.

2010s

Since 2010 Brock’s facilities have expanded even further, with the opening of a new STEM Centre in 2016. There is also now an enhanced focus on progression and employability. The College remains a leading force in education locally and consistently records exam results that exceed the national average.

2020s

In 2023 the College’s facilities expanded once again, this time to incorporate a new specialist building for Foundation Learning and Independence. Brock’s library was also refurbished to become the HUB of the College, with many of the student support services relocating to this area. This year also saw the appointment of a new Principal: Ms Helen Odhams.

Brock 100

Since our formation as a small pupil-teacher centre in 1913, we have constantly invested and innovated to deliver the very best learning opportunities available locally.

Our students routinely progress to Higher Education and/or a range of careers, with each of them making a positive contribution to society.

If you are a former Brock learner, you can share your stories, memories and updates with us by emailing alumni@brock.ac.uk

Alumni

At Brock we value our relationships with all of our students, past and present. When you have finished your course at Brock, we really hope you will keep in touch.

Importantly, we want to hear all about your post‐Brock achievements.

Sharing your story is simple – just click the link below and enter your details. You can also share your stories, memories and updates with us by emailing alumni@brock.ac.uk

Keep in touch

Get in touch

If you can not find the information you are looking for or would like to talk to a member of our team, you can contact us through the following options:

Tel: 01590 625555

Enquiries: enquiries@brock.ac.uk

More contact information