Academys Specialism

Partnerships at Duke's

At Duke’s Aldridge Academy, we believe that a great education extends far beyond the classroom. Our partnerships with businesses, universities, cultural organisations, charities and community groups provide our students with experiences, opportunities and connections that broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.

We are proud of the strong relationships we have built with organisations both locally and across London. Each partnership brings something different to our academy community, from mentoring, careers guidance and work experience to academic enrichment, the arts, sport and opportunities to experience new places and professions.

Below are just some of the partnerships that help us enrich the experience of every student at Duke’s and prepare them for life beyond the academy.

Linklaters Law

• For more than a decade, Duke’s has enjoyed an exceptional partnership with global law firm Linklaters. Beginning in 2016, when the academy was still Northumberland Park Community School, the relationship has grown into one of our longest-standing and most significant employer partnerships.

  Through Linklaters, hundreds of Duke’s students have had the opportunity to step inside a leading global organisation, meet and work alongside professionals, and gain an insight into the world of work. Students have benefited from mentoring, work experience, workplace visits, careers events and programmes designed to develop their confidence, aspirations and employability skills.

  Initiatives such as Challenge Mentoring and our Employability Skills programme give students practical experience in areas including CV writing, presentations, networking and interviews. These experiences help students develop the skills and confidence they will need as they progress to further education, university, apprenticeships and employment.

  Our whole-year careers days with Linklaters have also introduced students to the remarkable breadth of opportunities available within a global organisation. Students discover that a law firm is about much more than becoming a lawyer, with careers spanning technology, finance, communications, project management, HR and many other fields.

  At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to widening opportunity. By connecting our students with professionals, workplaces and career pathways they may not otherwise encounter, Linklaters helps our young people broaden their horizons and see the possibilities open to them beyond Duke’s.

London Academy of Excellence Tottenham and Chrysalis East

Duke’s has a particularly close relationship with our neighbours at London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET), united by a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and raising aspirations for young people in Tottenham.

Since 2021, Duke’s has been one of four core secondary school partners in LAET’s Chrysalis East programme, alongside Gladesmore Community School, Park View School and Woodside High School. Chrysalis East was established to increase educational opportunity for young people in East Haringey by bringing high-quality academic support, enrichment, mentoring, careers education and university preparation directly to local students.

For Duke’s students, the partnership provides an exceptional range of opportunities. Students benefit from additional support in Maths, English and Science, stretch-and-challenge activities, small-group tuition, summer schools and targeted GCSE intervention. Alongside this, they take part in careers activities, employer visits and cultural experiences that help build confidence, ambition and a sense of belonging in academic and professional environments.

Our students have taken part in experiences ranging from immersive GCSE revision residentials and visits to Bletchley Park to music workshops, careers events and specialist academic programmes. They also have opportunities to work alongside LAET students and alumni, providing valuable access to mentors and positive role models.

At the heart of Chrysalis East is the belief that where a young person grows up should never limit what they can achieve. Our partnership with LAET helps Duke’s students access the knowledge, experiences and networks that enable them to aim high and make ambitious choices about their futures.

Additional Partnerships

• Duke’s has a proud and longstanding tradition in the Expressive Arts, and our partnerships with leading cultural organisations help bring creativity to life for our students.

  Through relationships with organisations including Chickenshed Theatre, the Saatchi Gallery and London Sinfonietta, students have opportunities to work alongside professional artists, musicians and performers, take part in workshops and creative projects, and experience high-quality arts and cultural provision.

  These partnerships enrich our curriculum while giving students opportunities to discover new talents, build confidence and creativity, and experience the breadth of opportunities available within the creative and cultural industries.

  Haringey Music Service and the North London Music Hub

  Our partnership with Haringey Music Service helps ensure that music is an accessible, ambitious and enriching part of life at Duke’s. Through specialist tuition, instrumental learning and performance opportunities, students are encouraged to discover their musical talents, develop their creativity and experience the enjoyment of making music together.

  Duke’s is also proud to play an active role in Haringey’s wider musical community, including hosting the Haringey borough Music Hub concert, which brings young musicians together to perform and celebrate their achievements.

  As part of the North London Music Hub, our students can also access a wider network of musical experiences, ensembles, performances and progression opportunities. The partnership reflects our belief that every young person should have access to high-quality music education and the opportunity to discover where a passion for music might take them.

  Tottenham Hotspur

  Located just moments from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Duke’s is proud of its relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. It is a partnership rooted in our local community and in a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young people in Tottenham.

  Over the years, Duke’s students and our wider academy community have benefited from a range of sporting, educational and community initiatives, including opportunities to engage with professional coaches and players. These experiences use the power of sport to inspire young people, encourage participation and develop confidence, teamwork and aspiration.

Building Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Alongside these major partnerships, Duke’s works with a wide range of employers, community groups and external organisations throughout the year. Students benefit from workshops, careers encounters, workplace experiences and specialist programmes that connect their learning with the wider world.

Together with Aldridge Connect and Connect+, these partnerships help ensure that careers education, cultural experiences and preparation for life beyond school are woven throughout every student’s journey at Duke’s. Our ambition is for every young person to leave us with the confidence, experiences and connections they need to take their next steps successfully.