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World War Fighter Pilot speaks at Remembrance Day Service

On Friday 8th November we welcomed a number of Old Danes, Trustees and Governors to the school to join us for our annual Remembrance Services.   The school was privileged to have Second World War fighter pilot Jimmy James as guest speaker, who relayed his incredible war time experiences as a pilot and prisoner of war. The prayers and the Ode of Remembrance were read by Reverend Ludgrove, preceding a minute silence at 11am.  At the end of the services, the Last Post was expertly played by Year 13 student Hugo Watson - a moving musical tribute to remember those who died in service.

After the senior service, guests and staff watched as the Head Girl and Boy laid wreaths in the central courtyard before enjoying refreshments and perusing the displays put on in the library by our archivist, Mrs Hirst. Old Dane and guest Mr Tony Davies praised the school for a memorable service saying, ‘The speakers, choir, bugler and the young audience were all exemplary, and I was delighted to see the photos and artefacts preserved for posterity displayed following the service. The morning was very special and it was very moving to see that the school has done so much to retain such close links with its past.’

As ever, it was a moving and memorable day; we would like to thank all our guests for coming and congratulate all those involved in organising the memorable and moving Remembrance Services on Friday and at the school assemblies today.

Please see gallery below for more photos from our Remembrance Day Service.

 

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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.