Welcome from the Headteacher
We are very proud of our learning environment and the high standards of achievement reached by all students at the school. We are also very proud of our highly talented staff who make a significant difference to the outcomes for Sandringham students.
Our aim is simple – to be a World Class School where our students receive the best education possible. We achieve this by:
- Assuming there is always more we can do to improve.
- Working in partnership with others, particularly our partner schools in the Alban Academies Trust (MAT).
- Ensuring that nothing is left to chance.
Sandringham is a positive and happy place to be. Students are incredibly well-mannered, look after one another and enjoy being here. They love the experience both in and out of the classroom and as a result, leave as well-rounded individuals with the skills and abilities to take on the World.
We believe that every child can prosper in life if challenged and inspired appropriately. A strong academic curriculum supported by outstanding personal development and extra-curricular provision, helps Sandringham students develop as individuals with the necessary skills to be successful in adult life.
Our blend of traditional values combined with creativity and innovation offers a rich environment for progress. The quality of teaching and breadth of curriculum ensures students consistently achieve the best possible standards in their public examinations. We also believe it is essential to provide opportunities for young people to take responsibility for leading their learning thus strengthening their independence and maturity.
All our students are expected to work hard and behave in an exemplary fashion. This is achieved through clear expectations and a comprehensive rewards system that encourages students to do well and ensures they feel safe, valued, and able to meet the challenges we set.
We make sure that all aspects of the curriculum are delivered to the highest standards possible and encourage students to develop their own particular interests and skills throughout their time at the school. We place a particular emphasis on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) and also the Arts. Significant additional opportunities are available to young people with interests in these subject areas. We also place a special emphasis on International work and hold the prestigious Gold International School status. Our links with schools in Europe and other continents means students have real opportunities to learn about their world. And of course, we believe that by providing significant sporting opportunities has massive benefits for all students, as recognised our platinum sports mark award.
One of our major developments is to support and enhance the talent in all our students. As such, we have a comprehensive High Starters programme where students have the opportunity to visit top Universities, meet key influential figures and even publish their own work.
The development and wellbeing of young people is central to our ethos and culture. Two examples where this happens include the House System including Rewards and our Personal Development Programme. Both are designed to provide wider opportunities for young people to learn together and develop their unique characteristics that will help them in adult life.
As a designated outstanding school, we also lead on a number of key national programmes. We help lead one of the 87 National Teaching School Hubs which is responsible for delivering professional development for teachers, support staff and leaders. The Hub covers schools across half of Hertfordshire and ensures the delivery of all DfE requirements for teacher development. We also run the Alban Federation, training teachers of the future as a designated Initial Teacher Training awarding body; we also lead the Research School network, Computing Hub and Ed Tech Demonstrator programmes for this area.
Most importantly, we are proud to be a member of the Alban Academies Trust (a local, cross-phase multi-academy trust) working with Verulam School, Ridgeway Academy, Wheatfields Junior School, Wheatfields Infants’ and Nursery School, Skyswood School and Garden Fields School to improve the life chances of young people collectively
Sandringham School makes a difference to young people and we very much look forward to welcoming your child to the school and guiding them to future success.
Alan Gray
Headteacher
