Joe Grieve
Joe Grieve, left Bruern in 2011 is now an accomplished fine artist with a first-class honors degree, credits his time at Bruern Abbey as transformative. After struggling in traditional education where he felt “made to feel a bit dumb,” Joe found at Bruern both the academic support he needed and an environment where he could thrive. His journey from a boy who was “too scared” of secondary school to a successful artist exemplifies how Bruern’s unique approach builds confidence and unlocks potential in students with learning differences.
Before Bruern
Bruern Abbey was definitely a life-changing experience for me. Before Bruern, I was at primary school in London, where I was one of just two people in my year with learning difficulties. I was constantly being taken out of classes to do special needs work and was made to feel a bit dumb compared to my friends who were doing the average school day.
At that age, I was very disheartened by classes, reading, and all that sort of academic work. I honestly had no plans for secondary school – I was too scared of it. What I needed was outdoor space and the freedom that Bruern really gave to us.
Finding Confidence
What made Bruern special was being around people who were in the same boat as me. It made me believe in myself more and helped me realise I could actually compete in normal school life. That’s exactly what happened when I left Bruern and went to the Oratory – I felt like I was right back into it. I could read, for one thing! They taught me how to read at Bruern, which was definitely invaluable. I couldn’t imagine what I’d be doing now without that support, the smaller classes, and everything else they provided.
Life at Bruern
The grounds at Bruern were incredible – turning up and having that many acres of woodland as your playground, being able to bring your bicycles in and build jumps with your friends. Some of the rules, like “you’re not allowed to climb higher than 12 feet up trees,” made it feel less like a school and more like a home away from home.
I remember catching crayfish in the stream and trying to bring them up to John the chef to cook. When apple season came, we’d throw apples at our friends – just good fun. I don’t really think about the lessons necessarily, just more about the experiences.
Teachers and Mentors
The art department was fantastic too. Miss Hunter was incredibly supportive. I mainly made clay things back then, though ironically I’m a painter now. I remember making clay bodies with my friends that we’d fill with paint, and then we’d pretend to be doctors and dissect them.
Mr. Banbury was like a dad – you could speak to him about anything. You could get away with almost anything with him as well; he was very lenient with things.
Life After Bruern
I was at Bruern for three years, but I redid a year through the Grande scheme. I had an August birthday, so it made sense to hold me back, though I gave my mum a hard time about it at the time. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision.
After Bruern, I went on to the Oratory, and then did an Art Foundation in London for a year. I took a year off to work in a studio before going to university where I earned a first-class honors degree from City and Guild in Fine Art.
Bruern Abbey School truly changed my life. The support I received there gave me the confidence to pursue my education and ultimately my passion for art.