Dear Colleague,

As I sit down to pen this final contribution for the DET Dispatch, I am struck by the bittersweet nature of milestones. This newsletter has long been a space for us to share our collective successes, but in this edition, I find myself reflecting on a more personal journey. After a career that has spanned the evolution of modern education, this is my opportunity to share a few parting thoughts with the community that has meant so much to me.

I started my educational career 42 years ago at Quarry Bank School in Liverpool. Fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will know that the answer to life, the universe and everything is 42. I never imagined that number would come to mean quite so much to me, but after four decades in education, it feels like a rather fitting place to begin. Not because I have found all the answers, far from it, but because I have been lucky enough to spend a lifetime asking the right questions alongside some extraordinary people. This is a chance to pause, reflect, and say thank you before turning the page to whatever comes next.

Teaching is, quite simply, the best profession in the world. I have had the utter joy of working with the best colleagues anyone could wish for, it has been a delight to build Danes Educational Trust and work with the talented people across all 13 of our schools. The friends I have made through this career remain my closest friends today, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Most of all, it has been enormous fun. We laughed and laughed. We were the trailblazers of school flash mobs, from canteen performances of Frozen to "mock" fire drills that turned into Gangnam Style dances. We were shameless, but we took the fun seriously. Amidst the laughter, we were always relentless about our ambition: to provide a gold-standard education. Growing up on a council estate in Wythenshawe, I was raised to believe I could do anything. I have carried that belief into every school I’ve led, knowing that education is the greatest force for social mobility we have. It gives young people choices over their future.

When I look back, what brings me the greatest joy is that we created a genuine community. Our pupils know that success is not only about exam results, but about relationships and belonging. For me, high standards have always been underpinned by kindness and integrity. I sometimes think I could make a fortune running leadership courses simply by sharing one secret: you cannot beat kindness. It is the key to success.

None of this would have been possible without you. A career truly enjoyed is one in which you feel you have contributed, and I hope that I have. Thank you all.

With best wishes,

Josephine Valentine CEO
Danes Educational Trust

Making the difference together

A celebration of unity: Croxley Danes hosts third annual Iftar

Croxley Danes School hosted its third annual Iftar this month, marking a spectacular evening of community and reflection. The event was a great success, bringing together over 120 students, staff, and family members for a festive meal to celebrate the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

The evening felt particularly special as Mr Harris, Mrs Khan, and Mrs Richards spoke movingly about the importance of togetherness, unity, and understanding. Their words served as a wonderful reminder that our school community is a place where everyone truly belongs.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Islamic Society members, Wajeeha, Hajara, Inaya, and Khadeeja who led this wonderful event.

A clean sweep at Welwyn: Chancellor’s takes top honors in drama

Chancellor's school delivered a standout performance of Sean, the Fool, the Devil and the Cats at the Welwyn Garden City Youth Drama Festival, earning widespread praise and multiple awards. The imaginative and energetic production showcased the creativity, commitment and versatility of the Year 8 and 9 cast, who brought Ted Hughes' story to life through inventive staging and dynamic ensemble work.

The production was awarded 1st Place in the Junior category, winning the Elizabeth Cory-Wright Cup. As well as the Technical Award, highlighting the team's impressive use of staging, sound and lighting design. In addition, two students received Medals of Individual Excellence for their acting - a testament to the strength of the performances and the talent of the group.

Bridging Research & Production: ESA Partners with King’s College London

ESA has announced an exciting new partnership with King’s College London as part of the prestigious Creative Practice Catalyst Seed Fund. Managed by King’s Culture, this initiative fosters innovative collaborations between world-leading researchers and the creative industries.

Through this partnership, ESA pupils and staff will work alongside King’s College academics to explore the intersection of research and creative practice. The project is designed to bridge the gap between academic enquiry and professional production, offering pupils unique opportunities to apply their technical skills to real-world research challenges.

By fostering these high-level industry connections, ESA continues to strengthen its "pipeline curriculum," ensuring its trainees remain at the forefront of the UK’s creative sector. This collaboration enhances pupils' portfolios while highlighting the vital role of creative education in driving innovation and societal impact.

Onslow St Audrey year 10 workshop: Super Speed Study Skills

Year 10 pupils at Onslow School recently participated in an energetic "Super Speed Study Skills" workshop delivered by Positively You. As pupils begin their preparations for upcoming mock GCSEs, the session focused on the philosophy of "working smart" rather than just "working hard."

The interactive day provided practical, easy-to-use tools designed to improve information retention. Students explored several high-impact techniques, including:

The Memory Stack: Using mental imagery to recall long lists.
The 2-Minute Rule: A simple strategy to overcome procrastination.
The Feynman Technique: Deepening understanding by "teaching" topics to others.
Dual Coding: Combining words and sketches to enhance memory.

The event concluded with pupils feeling more resourceful and confident. Feedback following the session was overwhelmingly positive, with pupils praising the workshop for making revision feel manageable and engaging as they head into their exam season.

Lanchester primary pupil wins big at Watford leisure centre celebration

Community spirit was at an all-time high last weekend as Watford Leisure Centre – Central unveiled its new £3m facilities. The event was a triumph for Lanchester Primary, with pupil Gavinu taking home the top prize in the highly competitive school drawing contest.

The atmosphere was electric as pupils met Team GB star and Gladiator, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The athlete, known as "Nitro," spent time praising the pupils' creativity and energy, noting the high caliber of artwork on display.

The fun day served as a vibrant backdrop for celebrating the significant investment in local fitness and recreation. Congratulations to Gavinu and all the Lanchester pupils who showcased their talents and represented their school with pride.

Jupiter Primary pupils inspired by visit from Paralympian Sean Rose

On 13 March, Jupiter Primary pupils were treated to a powerful lesson in perseverance as they welcomed legendary Paralympic Sean Rose for a day centred on grit and determination.

The morning kicked off with high-energy physical challenges, where pupils tested their limits through various activities. The excitement transitioned into a captivated silence during a special assembly, as Rose shared his personal story of resilience. Seeing videos of his athletic achievements brought his journey to life, illustrating the true meaning of overcoming adversity.

The visit left the entire school community feeling motivated and empowered. By witnessing Rose’s journey firsthand, the pupils at Jupiter Primary learned that with enough heart and hard work, they can push themselves to reach any goal. It was a truly unforgettable day of inspiration.

St Clement Danes ranks 62nd nationally for sport

St Clement Danes is celebrating a landmark achievement after being named the 62nd best sporting school in the UK by School Sport Magazine. This prestigious ranking, recently highlighted by the Watford Observer, places the school within the top 1% of educational institutions for competitive success.

The ranking is based on a rigorous analysis of over 120 national competitions across 20 sports. Key contributors to this year's success include the Senior Girls football team reaching the ESFA National Semi-Finals and the golf team ranking 9th nationally. Further success was seen in the National Track & Field Finals and the U16 Boys’ National Vase.

While proud of these elite accolades, the school remains dedicated to its "sport for all" ethos. The focus continues to balance high-level performance with inclusive participation, ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to stay active and thrive.