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Enfield Headteacher’s big plans to transform Broomfield School with new name and uniform as she says ‘the kids are all lovely’
Adele Christofi’s vision is for Broomfield School in Enfield to be the first choice school for local children.
“This school at times in its history has had a poor reputation within the community but I’m going to launch as a brand new school later this year,” says Adele Christof, Headteacher of Broomfield School in Enfield. She took over the headship in September 2022, and now wants to rebrand the school for the better from September 2023 including a new name and uniform.
“There has been a perception that children here have poor behaviour,” Ms Christofi explains, “The perception is historic, but the conversations happen among families within the community. But, when I came to visit, I was greeted by children who were really lovely and really curious.”
“So, I said I would launch it as a brand new school in September 2023. New headteacher, new school, and new expectations. That’s the reason why we’re doing it. I want to get the young people involved in the decision making, and for local families to want to send their children here,” the headteacher added. Ms Christofi says the national recruitment crisis, where schools are struggling to hire new teachers, and the Covid-19 pandemic ‘has impacted children from different socio-economic backgrounds’. “We’re working to improve exam results,” Ms Christofi continued. “And the most recent Ofsted wasn’t great, but I want to give a true reflection of what takes place here.”
The headteacher, who grew up in Enfield, has already made some changes in her first term in the role. “I rewrote the behaviour policy which was based on schools rated outstanding in the last few years, who had previously required improvement but made rapid changes. We now have consistent expectations for uniform, punctuality, equipment and reading book checks. The building is calm, children are engaged in their lessons and learning.”
Students at Broomfield are thoroughly involved in the improvement process. They have had the opportunity to compete in the ‘Name your New School’ competition. There are also student focus groups looking at the PE kit and uniform, creating mood boards and putting forward suggestions.
Ms Christofi also has plans to offer new vocational options to make sure that they meet the needs of all of their students. This will run alongside the academic pathway, they’re looking to include more options, like catering, business studies, health and beauty. In the hopes of improving the school, the headteacher has invited parents in during the school day, to show them what it is like. She says “Some comments have been made, ‘I didn’t think it would be like this’, or ‘I didn’t think I would like it but I did. It’s a lovely working atmosphere’. That’s the narrative that needs to change in the local community.”
Broomfield School Open Mornings take place on Thursdays 9.10-10.30am. Meet Ms Christofi and have a tour of the school. Upcoming dates – March 30th, April 27th, May 25th www.broomfield.enfield.sch.uk/coffeemorning