Chancellor's School, located in Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. Under the leadership of headteacher David Croston, the school is part of the Danes Educational Trust, which involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including CEO Josephine Valentine and board chair Martin Day. The school environment is characterized by happy pupils who feel safe and supported, knowing they have trusted adults to turn to in times of need. The behavior of students is commendable, with many taking personal responsibility for their actions and demonstrating respect and maturity. Sixth-form students serve as positive role models within the school community.
Pupils exhibit a strong understanding of equality, equity, and diversity, fostering a culture of kindness and positive relationships that enhance the learning environment. Staff maintain high expectations for student preparedness and effort, contributing to strong examination results at both GCSE and A-Level. The school offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama, providing students with opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
The curriculum at Chancellor's School is ambitious and well-structured, aligning with national standards and offering a diverse range of subjects. Teachers demonstrate a solid command of their subjects, delivering content in a logical sequence that aids student comprehension and skill development. In addition to academic knowledge, the curriculum addresses broader societal themes, enriching students' cultural understanding.
Expectations for teaching and learning are clearly defined, emphasizing high-quality written work and the development of speaking skills. Staff receive thorough training in these areas, although there are instances where the focus on discussion and writing may limit opportunities for practical skill development in certain subjects. The school's new assessment approach for Years 7 to 9 is not yet consistently applied, with some subjects overly focused on GCSE preparation, which can detract from the national curriculum's objectives. While regular checks on prior knowledge are beneficial, there are occasions when misconceptions are overlooked, leading to gaps in understanding.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities are accurately identified and receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. However, improvements are needed in the organization of SEND records and the consistent use of this information by teaching staff to tailor lessons effectively. Although most students read well, strategies to assist those who struggle are not as effective as they could be, though plans for improvement are underway.
Attendance is high, and student behavior in lessons is generally good, creating a conducive learning atmosphere. The school’s reward and sanction system is well understood, and the majority of students respond positively to the personal, social, health, and economic education program. Staff are dedicated and professional, with senior leaders actively working to manage their workload.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. To enhance its performance, the school needs to improve the efficiency of record-keeping for SEND pupils and ensure that teaching staff consistently utilize SEND information in lesson planning. Additionally, the assessment system for Years 7 to 9 requires further development to ensure alignment with national curriculum standards. Overall, Chancellor's School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while recognizing areas for growth and improvement.
