Elstree Screen Arts Academy joins Danes Educational Trust

Posted on: 01/04/2021

On Thursday 1st April, Elstree Screen Arts Academy joined Danes Educational Trust – a multi-academy trust with schools in South and Mid Hertfordshire. The academy is excited about this strategic move and the increased scope and potential for collaboration it will bring.

Principal Chris Mitchell said “We are proud to be joining the Danes Educational Trust. As a leading, specialist creative academy for the culture industries, Elstree Screen Arts Academy can’t wait to bring our creative and technical zeal to this superb trust.  We work with some of the best creative industry partners in the world and now we are joining an outstanding educational trust who believe in ‘making the difference together’.  This is a defining moment in the brilliant Elstree Screen Arts Academy story.”

Students from the academy celebrated by recording this short video talking about their hopes for the future. You can watch the video here: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnBfbs0sAHk 

The Danes Educational Trust is committed to ensuring that all its learners benefit from being part of the Trust and the opportunities afforded by this closer relationship. Following the move, the academy will keep its existing identity, including its ethos, motto and name, but students and staff will reap the benefits of collaboration on staff recruitment, training and projects of both an educational and resourcing nature.

The Danes Educational Trust was formed when St Clement Danes School, an outstanding school in Chorleywood, was asked to open a second school in South West Hertfordshire – Croxley Danes School. The Trust now comprises of two further schools Chancellor’s School and Onslow St Audrey’s School and primary school De Havilland.

Its CEO, Dr Josephine Valentine OBE was Headteacher at St Clement Danes for 20 years and is thrilled to be welcoming ESA into the Trust. “Danes Educational Trust is delighted and excited that Elstree Screen Arts Academy has joined our family of schools. The addition of this vibrant and exciting Academy will further enhance the diversity, joy and creativity experienced by students and staff across Danes Educational Trust. Working in partnership with schools to improve educational outcomes and experience for all is at the heart of our commitment to our learners”.