Year 12 Earlscliffe students completed the final stage of the Dukes Careers School programme, culminating in an immersive assessment centre experience delivered in partnership with InvestIN.
As part of the wider Dukes Education family, Earlscliffe students benefit from access to Dukes Plus, a provider of university application support, life-changing career and university experiences, tuiton and high-impact opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
The Dukes Careers School programme is a powerful example of how being part of this forward-thinking education group equips our students with a genuine competitive advantage as they prepare for leading UK universities and future careers.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
The Dukes Careers School programme has been carefully designed to bridge the gap between academic study and the professional world. Its purpose is clear: to equip students with the skills, confidence and insight required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global workplace.
The programme consisted of three key stages:
1. Online Career Insight Sessions
Students engaged in expert-led presentations covering:
- The power of networking and building professional relationships
- Developing a business-minded approach
- Digital literacy and sustainable career pathways
These sessions encouraged students to think beyond examination results, reflecting on how employability skills, adaptability and professional awareness contribute to long-term success.
2. University-Based Career Workshop
Students attended an in-person careers workshop at University College London, gaining valuable exposure to career sectors within a leading Russell Group institution. Experiencing a professional workshop environment at such a prestigious university helped students contextualise their ambitions and deepen their understanding of future pathways.
3. Assessment Centre Simulation at Earlscliffe
The programme culminated in a full assessment centre simulation held at school, replicating recruitment processes used by major employers.
Students rotated through a series of authentic workplace tasks, including:
- An in-tray prioritisation exercise, requiring them to organise information and justify decisions under time pressure
- Interview technique coaching and mock interviews
- Psychometric testing to develop analytical reasoning and self-awareness
- Teamwork challenges assessing collaboration, communication and leadership
Throughout the day, industry professionals provided expert guidance and individualised feedback, with students receiving a personalised report alongside a certificate of completion.
Being Part of Dukes Education
Being part of Dukes Education means that Earlscliffe students can access exceptional enrichment opportunities delivered in collaboration with organisations such as InvestIN.
These experiences go far beyond traditional academic preparation, helping students understand the expectations of competitive employers and strengthening their confidence ahead of university applications, internships and future careers.
This event also forms part of a wider series of targeted initiatives designed specifically to support international students in securing places at the UK’s most competitive universities.
The Careers Institute
Alongside the Dukes Careers School programme, students at Earlscliffe benefit from the dedicated support of the Earlscliffe Careers Institute.
Through expert one-to-one careers guidance, specialist personal statement development, and comprehensive interview preparation, students receive tailored support at every stage of their university journey.
For our international cohort in particular, this integrated approach, combining Dukes-wide expertise, InvestIN’s industry insight and the personalised guidance of the Earlscliffe Careers Institute, ensures they are exceptionally well-prepared to progress to the UK’s leading universities and beyond.
