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Posted on: 6/03/2025Croxley Danes School featured on BBC One's The One Show
Croxley Danes School was visited by presenter Angellica Bell and a camera crew from the BBC show to interview staff and students about their involvement in a Europe-wide study.
The study, called the BootStRaP project, is led by the University of Hertfordshire and aims to reduce the harmful impact of internet use on mental health.
The research intends to recruit up to 10,000 young people from across Europe over five years to explore internet use, identify harmful behaviours, and find ways to address these.
Andy Harris, headteacher of Croxley Danes School, said: "While we don’t have issues with phone and internet use at Croxley Danes due to us having very clear rules and systems in place, it is a significant issue outside of school that is impacting our young people’s mental health and peer relationships.
"We decided to get involved with the BootStRaP project because we think it’s a really fantastic opportunity to gather the data needed to better understand and address issues around problematic internet use, that will inform effective strategies for improving our students’ well-being, their online safety in and outside of school and ultimately their academic success."
The BootStRaP project stands for Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalising, Post-Pandemic Europe.
Read the full story in the Watford Observer
Posted on: 4/03/2025ESA 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.
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