DET Dispatch - October 2024

Dear Colleague,

As we begin a new academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to each and every one of you. I am filled with optimism about the year ahead and excited about what we can accomplish together for our learners.

Our schools have a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact, and I have no doubt that with your dedication and commitment, we will continue to inspire and support every learner in achieving their best. Whether it’s in the classroom, or in a support role your contributions are truly valued.

I’d also like to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for the incredible work that has gone into preparing our schools for our open days and tours. Your efforts showcase the very best of what our schools have to offer, and I am confident that prospective families will be as impressed as I am with all we have achieved.

Here’s to another successful year of learning and collaboration.

With best wishes,

Josephine Valentine, CEO
Danes Educational Trust

Making the difference together

News from our schools

Croxley Danes School

As the school welcomed the return of learners and colleagues this September, there was a renewed sense of commitment and excitement in the air. A number of key events, including parent information evenings for all year groups, have allowed the new Headteacher, Andy Harris to expand on his intent for the direction of the school moving forward, with an emphasis on aspiration, inclusion and well-being. It was a pleasure to see so many parents at these events and receive such positive feedback from them.

We also held a highly successful Open Day on Saturday 21 September, welcoming parents, prospective students and members of the local community to experience firsthand the school’s purposeful learning environment, diverse extracurricular program and state-of-the-art facilities. The event was very well attended and our learners and colleagues did an incredible job of showcasing the school.

St Clement Danes School

On Friday 13 September, our school community gathered for the annual Speech Day, honouring the achievements of our students. The day was filled with inspiration, recognition, and encouragement, highlighted by speeches and awards.

The day celebrated both junior and senior students for their dedication to academics and extracurricular activities.

The event began with the Junior Prize Giving in the morning, followed by the Senior Prize Giving in the afternoon. Rob Carpenter, CEO of Inspire Partnership, delivered a motivating speech, urging students to embrace their strengths, calling them "superpowers.". He also praised the students for their resilience, creativity, and determination, affirming that they are “somebody” and an important part of the St. Clement Danes community. His words left the students feeling proud and empowered.

Speech Day remains a proud tradition, showcasing our school’s commitment to educational excellence and the recognition of talent and hard work. Thanks to all who made the day memorable.

The John Warner School

On Thursday 5 September we held our annual Main School Prize Giving evening. This event brought together students and parents/carers to celebrate the success of our young people over the past academic year. Over 70 prizes were awarded to students from Year 9, Year 11 and Year 13 to celebrate their achievements within Ks3, 4 and 5 respectively. Students received awards based on academic performance, their commitment to our school vales, and for their outstanding contributions to the wider life of the school.

Our top four awards recognise outstanding progress and attainment with GCSE and A-Level examinations and this year were awarded to:

KS4 Award for Outstanding Academic Progress - Jesse Heard

KS5 Award for Outstanding Academic Progress - Anna Lancaster

KS4 Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement - Lily May Lawrence

KS5 Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement - Alex Quintin

We would like to congratulate all of our prize winners.

Elstree Screen Arts Academy

Aaran, age 14 from Elstree Screen Arts Academy (ESA), has won the national reading award ‘Reading Plus Star of the Year’ for his hard work and effort leading to significant reading improvement. He received a trophy, certificate and £25 Amazon voucher in recognition of his award.

Pippa Walden, Reading Lead at ESA who nominated Aaran, said: “Aaran stood out for this award due to his next level of dedication and commitment.”

Reading Plus is an adaptive reading programme designed for Year 3 to Year 11 students to develop fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Chris Mitchell, Principal at ESA, said: "Well done, Aaran. Reading Plus is a crucial part of how we support young people to become fully empowered participants in our world, and Aaran is a fantastic representative of our Reading Plus students who are ever improving as readers and creative communicators at ESA."

Welcoming

Matthew Morey

We are delighted to welcome Matthew Morey who joins us as headteacher at Lanchester Primary School.

Read the full story

Andy Harris

Andy Harris joined Croxley Danes School as headteacher in September. Andy has been part of our trust for five years, first as assistant headteacher and then deputy headteacher at St Clement Danes School.

Read the full story

David Bostock

David Bostock became headteacher at De Havilland Primary School in September. David has been with the school for three years, his proven track record and collaborative approach position him well to lead the school to continued success.

Train to Teach – applications open 8 October

Do you know someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Our Trust's Train to Teach programme is the perfect opportunity for them to start a rewarding career in education.

From 8 October, applications. We're looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready to inspire the next generation. Whether it's a family member, friend, or someone in your network, please encourage them to apply. Teaching offers not just a career but the chance to make a lasting impact on students' lives.

By joining our programme, they'll receive high-quality training, support, and real classroom experience within our Trust. Together, we can help shape future leaders and lifelong learners.

Visit our website for more details and let’s work together to inspire the educators of tomorrow!

Train to Teach website