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Dr Valentine awarded OBE

We are delighted to announce that the CEO of the Danes Educational Trust and former Headteacher of St Clement Danes School, Dr Josephine Valentine, has been awarded an OBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of her service to education. As many of you will know, Dr Valentine was Headteacher of St Clement Danes School from 1998 to 2018, during which time outcomes for young people rose dramatically. She currently leads the Danes Educational Trust of which both St Clement Danes and Croxley Danes are a part. She became a National Leader of Education in 2008 and has led the Herts & Bucks Teaching School Alliance for the past 6 years, over which time the organisation’s schools have trained hundreds of teachers and supported a large number of schools to improve outcomes for young people. In recent years, Josephine Valentine was asked by Hertfordshire County Council to be the Lead Proposer in the opening of a new school, Croxley Danes School, which opened in September 2017. As well as her work for the Trust and Teaching School Alliance, she holds a number of roles at regional and national level advising on policy and overseeing other teaching schools.

Dr Valentine has always been passionate about improving outcomes for young people. She grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, and attended The Marist School before going on to study for a PhD in Oral Histopathology at Liverpool University. As one of the first in her family to go to university, she has been committed to ensuring that all young people have the choices and opportunities afforded them by an outstanding education.

She is thrilled and deeply proud to have received an OBE. In a statement, referencing her catchphrase when at St Clement Danes, she said: “In receiving this honour, I recognise and am thankful for the significant support I have received from family, colleagues and friends. Teaching young people is exciting and fulfilling and has been a source of constant joy to me. Leading a school has been a privilege – and, probably, the best job in the world.”

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26th February

Celebrating our inclusion in National Top 200 Sporting schools list

We are proud to announce our inclusion in the prestigious list of the top 200 sporting schools in the country, achieving an impressive 62nd place ranking nationally. This recognition, recently highlighted by the Watford Observer, places the school among the elite educational institutions for sporting achievement in the United Kingdom. The "Top 200" list is compiled annually by School Sport Magazine, which utilises a rigorous methodology to determine the most successful schools across the nation. Unlike subjective polls, these rankings are based purely on performance in national competitions. The magazine analyses results across more than 20 different sports and over 120 different national competitions, awarding points based on how far a school progresses. Particular weight is given to reaching the final stages of prestigious national cups and championships, meaning the list serves as a direct reflection of a school’s competitive reach and its ability to succeed at the highest levels of school sport. Our climb to the 62nd spot this year is a direct result of several standout performances on the national stage across a variety of disciplines. Our Senior Girls reached the ESFA Football National Semi-Finals, showcasing incredible teamwork and skill against the best in the country. Our golfers also excelled on the national stage, finishing as National Finalists ranked number 9 in the country in the English Schools’ Team Championship. Additionally, the Inter Boys squad demonstrated exceptional talent and athleticism by qualifying for the National Track & Field Final, while the U16 Boys’ determination saw them progress deep into their season to reach the National Vase Regional Final. These milestones represent countless hours of training, immense dedication from both pupils and staff and a tenacious competitive spirit that defines the St Clement Danes community. While the school is incredibly proud of these elite achievements and our high standing in the national rankings, we recognise that these statistics only tell part of the story. Our core values are built on the belief sport extends far beyond the trophy cabinet or a leaderboard. Our focus remains firmly on participation as well as performance, ensuring our programme is inclusive, meaningful and accessible for all, not just those competing at the highest level.  Sport is for all, and whether a pupil is representing the school in a national final or discovering a lifelong passion for physical activity in a lunchtime club, our goal is to create a culture where every pupil feels empowered to stay active. We remain committed to providing a diverse range of opportunities that cater to all abilities, ensuring every pupil can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of sport.  Congratulations to all our pupil-athletes, coaches and supportive parents who have helped make this national recognition possible.