Announcement

De Havilland Primary School appoints Headteacher

Sarah King has been appointed permanent Headteacher of De Havilland Primary School, she will officially take up this post from the beginning of the summer term.

Sarah joined De Havilland seven years ago and moved from Early Years leader to Assistant Headteacher. In September 2020 Sarah was promoted to Head of School. During this time, she has demonstrated a passion for the school and worked tirelessly on its improvement journey.

De Havilland school became part of the Danes Educational Trust in the autumn term 2020. Danes Educational Trust is a trust comprising secondary schools and a primary school in Hertfordshire. It has a reputation for quality in educational provision and a dedication for improving outcomes and life chances for its pupils. Sarah’s commitment to lead De Havilland on a journey of improvement is impressive. Danes Educational Trust have seen her dedication to the school and Hatfield community. She is a courageous leader and the future for De Havilland is very exciting with Sarah as its Headteacher.

Sarah King is looking forward to the new role. "I am thrilled to have been appointed as the new substantive Headteacher of De Havilland Primary School enabling me to continue leading the school on its journey of improvement. I will endeavour to ensure our children receive the very best education and opportunities to build happy and successful futures, along with a team of inspirational leaders, teachers and the support and expertise of Danes Educational Trust

 

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ESA stands out with 'outstanding' Ofsted report Posted on: 4/03/2025

ESA stands out with 'outstanding' Ofsted report

Demonstrating its commitment to improvement and success, Elstree Screen Arts Academy (ESA) has been honoured with top rankings in a recently published report by The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). This recognition underscores ESA's unwavering dedication to providing an outstanding education that not only meets but exceeds national standards. The recent report published in February 2025 lauded the quality of education at ESA, a part of Danes Educational Trust, celebrating the academy's innovative approach to teaching and learning. Students at ESA were commended for their exemplary behavior and positive attitudes, contributing to a vibrant and respectful learning environment. The academy's commitment to the personal growth and development of each student was a highlight of the report, showcasing the holistic approach to education that ESA champions.  The robust leadership and management at ESA were recognized as pivotal in driving the academy's success and fostering a culture based on a ‘character curriculum’. "We have been proudly advocating for our unique approach to education and keenly telling all who will listen that we are up to something here," said Chris Mitchell, Principal of Elstree Screen Arts Academy. "We are seeing young people engage, connect and find their creative voice." Special mention was made of the inclusive and supportive sixth-form provision, which plays a crucial role in preparing students for their future endeavors. ESA Academy scored ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories of the report. This prestigious recognition from Ofsted is a reflection of the collective efforts of the dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents who together make Elstree Screen Arts Academy a paragon of educational excellence. “Receiving Outstanding in all five categories of the report is a testament to the exceptional creativity, innovation , and dedication of the entire Elstree Screen Arts Academy community. Moving from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ is a remarkable achievement, especially in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape,” said Dr Josephine Valentine OBE, CEO Danes Educational Trust. The report not only celebrates the academy's current achievements but also highlights its ongoing commitment to improvement and innovation in education. ESA continues to lead the way with outstanding outcomes for students in specialist training and creative courses for the film, TV and Theatre industries.