The Department for Education (DfE) has officially confirmed that Stantonbury School will remain within Tove Learning Trust, setting aside the presumption to transfer the school to an alternative provider.
Following a formal submission and detailed review of the rapid progress made across the school over recent months, the DfE confirmed full confidence in the Trust's leadership, vision, and long-term capacity to deliver high-quality, sustainable improvement.
The Department for Education’s Decision
In a formal decision letter dated 5 November 2026, Dame Kate Dethridge, DfE Regional Director for the South East, confirmed that the Department is fully satisfied with the Trust’s turnaround plan and strategic direction for Stantonbury School.
Following the March 2026 Ofsted inspection, a standard statutory Termination Warning Notice (TWN) was issued in September. In response, Tove Learning Trust presented comprehensive evidence demonstrating significant improvements made across all areas of the school since April. After evaluating this evidence and meeting with Trust leaders on 20 October 2026, the Regional Director formally confirmed that the school will not be transferred to a new provider.
Key Achievements Recognised by the DfE
In her decision letter, the Regional Director commended several core areas of transformation established over the past six months:
- Swift Leadership & Governance Action: The appointment of experienced Headteacher Natasha Bryan alongside the establishment of the expert Academy Improvement Board (AIB), which has stabilised the school and sharply focused improvement priorities.
- Calmer Culture & Environment: Noticeable improvements in student behaviour and overall school climate through the implementation of 'The Stantonbury Way' and expanded support systems.
- Attendance Progress: Measurable, positive momentum in overall student attendance, including a 9.7% reduction in persistent absence.
- Staffing Stability: Achieving 0% reliance on temporary supply teaching, ensuring all core lessons are taught by permanent Stantonbury staff.
- Academic Quality: Strengthened curriculum design and quality assurance, supported by our partnership with Chiltern Learning Trust and the DfE RISE programme.
Complete Stability and Future Outlook
This decision provides complete certainty and continuity for our students, families, and staff. All planned operational improvements will move forward as scheduled, including:
- Consolidating core teaching into the Turing block.
- Establishing the new central Midsummer reception.
- Continuing to expand student support services.
As standard practice during rapid turnaround phases, Stantonbury School will continue participating in targeted RISE support and regular termly monitoring meetings with the DfE as we prepare for our next Ofsted inspection.
Message to Our School Community
"We recognise that the past six months have brought frequent changes and uncertainty following the special measures outcome. We are deeply grateful for the patience, trust, and partnership of our families throughout this period.
This positive milestone reflects the hard work of our staff, the strong leadership of Natasha Bryan, and the ongoing support of our community. We remain fully committed to building on this momentum and delivering an outstanding education for every child."
— Dr Jamie Clarke OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Tove Learning Trust
