DET Dispatch

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the latest edition of the DET Dispatch.

This week we launched our 2026 Staff Awards: making the difference. These awards provide a vital opportunity for us to pause and celebrate the extraordinary commitment you exhibit every day. We see how you continually go above and beyond to create a positive, nurturing environment for our pupils, and this is our chance to formally recognise those efforts. Please ensure your nominations are submitted by 3:00 pm on Tuesday 19 May.

As we head further into the summer term, I also want to extend a sincere thank you for the immense effort you have poured into exam preparations. We are well aware that this is a high-pressure season, and the dedication and personal support you provide to our pupils ensure they have the best possible platform for their future success.

There is so much to be proud of across our trust right now, and our schools are truly thriving. For instance, Croxley Danes School is celebrating a fantastic outcome following its first inspection under Ofsted’s rigorous new framework, and we are thrilled that four of our schools have been recognised with national engagement awards in the TEP Spring 2026 census. You can read more about these successes and other exciting updates from across our community in the stories featured below.

Thank you for everything you do.

Julie Jones, Interim CEO
Danes Educational Trust

Making the difference together

National recognition for four of our schools in Spring 2026 TEP Census

The Trusts collective commitment to excellence has been validated through our recent work with TEP to understand the engagement levels within our school communities. We are thrilled to announce that four of our schools have been recognised with national engagement awards in the TEP Spring 2026 census, reflecting the deep learning and collaboration we have built together. These schools include Croxley Danes School, Elstree Screen Arts Academy, Onslow St Audreys School and St Clement Danes School, each achieving Top 5% or Top 10% recognition on key pupil and employee engagement measures.

Croxley Danes School
Top 5% Nationally: Employee Leadership
Top 10% Nationally: Employee Inclusion and Employee Satisfaction
Awarded in both Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026.

Elstree Screen Arts Academy
Top 5% Nationally: Pupil Inclusion, Pupil Enjoyment, and Pupil Recommendation
Awarded in both Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026.

Onslow St Audreys School
Top 10% Nationally: Employee Leadership

St Clement Danes School
Top 10% Nationally: Pupil Recommendation and Employee Line Management

Primary news

De Havilland School: OPAL launch transforms lunchtimes

This half term, De Havilland Primary School celebrated the first stage launch of OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning). This exciting rollout has opened the entire school site, granting children access to every corner of the grounds for lunchtime exploration.

It has been heartwarming to witness older pupils playing alongside the younger children in a spirit of community. Staff have embraced their new roles as Play Rangers, patrolling the zones and joining the activities whenever invited. With music echoing across the fields, the atmosphere has been truly fantastic.

The feedback from pupils has been overwhelmingly positive; one pupil even remarked that the new routines have led to "some of the best days ever" and feel "just like a festival." We are now eagerly anticipating our "Quick Wins" launch in June to introduce even more play opportunities.

First stop... the Mud Kitchen!

Roselands School celebrating young writers: rotary success

Upper Key Stage 2 pupils at Roselands Primary School recently showcased their literary talents in two prestigious essay competitions. Year 5 pupils explored the theme of inspiration, writing moving pieces about figures who motivate them, while Year 6 pupils participated in the annual Hoddesdon Rotary competition.

Huge congratulations go to Year 5 winners, Erika and Eddy, for their exceptional work. Roselands also celebrates its incredible Year 6 finalists, Aiyla, Dan and Leo, who tackled the ambitious topic of their future careers. These three talented pupils represented the school with immense pride during a special presentation at Hoddesdon Library, attended by the Mayor.

A special round of applause is reserved for Aiyla, who was named the overall Roselands winner and awarded a £25 book voucher. It is a moment of great pride for the school community to see these young writers recognized for their creativity, hard work, and the poise they showed during the awards ceremony.

Secondary news

St. Clement Danes ranked 15th best state school in the UK

St Clement Danes has been ranked 15th in the UK in the prestigious Think Academy Top 100 State Schools league table.

This national recognition is a testament to the exceptional academic standards and dedication of pupils and staff. As the only school in the Watford area to break into the national top 20, this achievement highlights their commitment to excellence in A-level provision. The ranking, which focuses on top-tier exam results, validates evidence-informed approach to teaching and the tireless support provided by our entire school community.

The school remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every pupil can reach their full potential and leave equipped for the challenges of the wider world.

Croxley Danes school ranks in top 20% nationally following rigorous new Ofsted inspection

Croxley Danes School is celebrating a landmark achievement following its first inspection under Ofsted’s rigorous new framework. The report places the school within the top 20% of schools nationally, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of excellence.

Under the updated grading system, Croxley Danes secured "Strong" ratings, the highest tier, in Leadership and Governance, Inclusion and Attendance and Behaviour. These are widely considered the most challenging areas to master. The school also met all "Expected" standards in Curriculum, Achievement, and Post-16 Provision, while Safeguarding was praised for its "open culture."

Inspectors highlighted the "highly inclusive environment" and the positive relationships between staff and pupils. Headteacher Andy Harris credited the result to the pupils’ conduct and the staff’s hard work. Moving forward, the school remains committed to further refining pupil feedback and personal development to ensure every pupil is equipped for the future.

Chancellor’s pupils excel in the Brilliant Club scholars programme

This year, 28 pupils in Years 10 and 12 at Chancellor’s School participated in the Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme, receiving an introduction to university-style study from doctoral researchers. Designed to widen access to higher education, the programme encourages pupils of all backgrounds to recognise their academic potential.

Year 12 scholars explored sustainability and the circular economy through economics-focused study. Every pupil achieved a 2:1 or higher in their final assignment, with six earning first-class marks. Their success was celebrated with a visit to the University of Oxford and a graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, Year 10 pupils investigated microbes with a University of London researcher, debating their impact through assignments that also reached first-class standards.

Across both cohorts, Chancellor’s pupils were praised for their resilience and curiosity. For several pupils, the programme sparked a first-time interest in university, a reflection of the ambition and promise within our school community.

Onslow St Audrey's gold award winners conquer the Welsh wilderness

In September, Onslow St Audrey's launched its Character Education program, featuring the 'EveryoneCANlead' initiative. Following a rigorous application process, 13 pupils from Years 7-10 earned the prestigious GOLD award, securing a place on an adventurous leadership week in Wales.

Accompanied by their mascot, "Larry the Lamb," pupils engaged in rock climbing, gorge walking, and summiting three mountains. Daily lessons focused on becoming humble, purposeful leaders, while practical challenges reflected the school’s core values: Kindness, Responsibility, and Ambition.

Pupils rotated as "leader of the day," managing tasks from map reading to equipment care. This empowered quieter pupils to find their voices while teaching others the value of being led. By stepping out of their comfort zones and into the "stretch zone"which included abseiling off cliffs these pupils demonstrated incredible resilience. Onslow St Audrey's is immensely proud of these gold winners; they are truly promising future leaders of our society.