Pictured above (left to right):  Housemaster and Housemistress of Mill Hill House for girls', Mr and Mrs Shipway and Housemaster and Hosuemistress of Hough House for boys', Mrs Rees and Mr Rees 

Brentwood School staff and boarders celebrated the Year of the Tiger last night with a cocktail reception, traditional Chinese dinner and musical entertainment.

Boy and girl boarders welcomed guests in Mandarin and Cantonese, enjoyed a drinks reception and later sat down to enjoy a special meal served in the Schools Dining Halls, prepared by Mr Wing Yau of the Imperial Peking restaurant, Brentwood.

Brentwood School boarders provided entertainment towards the end of the meal, reading the Headmaster's horoscope for the Year and enlightening guests to the cultural background of the Year of the Tiger.  Further entertainment followed from both boarding houses incorporating a variety of musical pieces including a dance performance to Michael Jackson's ‘Smooth Criminal', singing of ‘Fly me to the Moon' and traditional Chinese songs such as ‘Hey Yo Happy New Year'.

The Headmaster, Mr Ian Davies responded with gratitude and wished the pupils a Happy New Year and commented, "We are delighted to celebrate the Year of the Tiger with our boarders.  Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to celebrate traditions from different cultures and also a fantastic time to honour companionship between pupils and staff."

The Headmaster also congratulated the staff and pupils on the recent inspection report that took place in January by OFSTED. The boarding provision was graded as "outstanding" in all six judging areas. This is the highest possible rating and Brentwood School is the only boarding school in Essex to receive such an accolade.  Mr Davies thanked the boarders for the part that they played in the inspection and for the important part they play in the pupil community.

To view the Chinese New Year photo gallery please click here