Dr Valentine awarded OBE

We are delighted to announce that the CEO of the Danes Educational Trust and former Headteacher of 快猫视频, 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 快猫视频 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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19th December

Charities Week 2025

The halls of 快猫视频 have been buzzing with holiday cheer this week as the annual Charities Week is officially in full swing. As the Autumn Term draws to a close, pupils and staff have united to raise vital funds for three incredible causes: Endometriosis UK, Spread a Smile, and Herts Young 快猫视频less. The school is alive with the spirit of giving, driven by a jam packed ‘Advent’ schedule designed to get everyone involved in the fundraising efforts. This year’s itinerary has been filled with exciting activities, ranging from pupil led lessons and a "Mystery Bucket" challenge to the competitive excitement of the "Elf Auction" and various competitions. Pupils have also enjoyed the classic "Sponge the Teacher" event and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, ensuring the festive atmosphere is matched only by the community’s generosity. Beyond the classroom activities, pupils have been sharing the festive spirit with the wider community. On 18th December, the SCD Senior Choir paid a special visit to Chorleywood Manor Care 快猫视频. The residents were treated to a beautiful selection of Christmas carols, featuring performances by members of the Chamber Choir, Evensong Choir, and the Barbershop Choir. Year 12 pupils Immy and Chrissie noted that "it was a very joyful occasion and it was lovely to see the residents joining in and looking so happy." The success of such a busy week relies heavily on pupil leadership, and the school extends a massive vote of thanks to Year 13 for their incredible hard work and dedication. Their enthusiasm have been the driving force behind this week's fundraising efforts. The week is set to conclude on Friday with the Grand Finale: the highly anticipated Sixth Form Revue, promising a spectacular end to a week of community, charity and celebration.

18th December

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