Check out some of our Sixth Form Alumni success stories…

Ellie Gadsby

Studying History, Maths, Philosophy and Spanish at Duke’s helped Ellie progress into an apprenticeship with Womble Bond Dickinson, an International Law Firm specialising in Commercial Law.

The former pupil from Coulson Park First School and Duke’s Secondary chose to continue her studies at Duke’s Sixth Form. Ellie appreciated the support of staff during her GCSE years which made the decision to continue the transition into Duke’s 6 Form a very easy choice.

Describing her seven years at Duke’s as friendly, nurturing, and supportive, Ellie enjoyed the variation the courses offered coupled with placement opportunities that went alongside including inspirational speakers from the world of work.

Ellie described the opportunities available to students who attend Duke’s Sixth Form, she said: “The work experience placement that I secured in Belfast confirmed that Law was the right choice for me, another opportunity that the school supports you to gain!”

“If it wasn’t for the support and guidance from staff and the school careers advisor, I may not have been exposed to the Apprentice solicitor vacancy, my career could have been very different, I am so grateful for the guidance and support.”

Ellie’s advice for other students is: “Don’t be scared to dream big!”

Ellie is in her fourth year at Womble Bond Dickinson and thoroughly enjoying her Degree Apprenticeship. Ellie is currently working in the property litigation department at the Local Newcastle office.

Jack McDougall

After studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Economics and Business at Duke’s, Jack progressed into a role with Sage software development at their UK Headquarters in Newcastle.

The former pupil from Moorside Primary and Duke’s Secondary chose to continue his studies at Duke’s Sixth Form because he had an amazing five years with staff and peers. Jack wanted this experience to continue into 6th form whilst staying in his local community.

Jack developed great relationships with the teaching staff, which made it very easy to continue to develop his skills with teachers that already knew him.

Describing his seven years at Duke’s as friendly and supportive, Jack enjoyed the tailored work experiences and the industry visits to support his future career choices. Jack said: “I also had the chance to take part in a once in a life time volunteering trip to Kenya, this trip changed my outlook and still has a positive effect on me today.”

Jack said “Duke’s Sixth Form has a friendly environment. The separate Sixth Form area of the school was great for study and social time.”

“The teachers were passionate about their subjects and have fantastic subject knowledge, they were happy to support out of class and were trusting too.”

Jack’s advice for other students is: “Make the most of your free periods. Changing your mind on your future career is always an option, if it’s what you want to do. Definitely assess the apprenticeship options out there. I personally have benefited from taking that route.”

Jack is now working at Sage Software development as a Junior Treasury Analyst. Sage is one of the largest business software companies in the world, and the global market leader for technology.

Jack Halpin

Studying Business, Sport, and Sports Coaching at Duke’s helped Jack progress into a role with Nissan then Leading North East employer AkzoNobel. 

The former pupil from Welbeck Primary and Duke’s Secondary chose to continue his studies at Duke’s Sixth Form due to the excellent track record of results in the subjects he had chosen.

Jack developed great relationships with the teaching staff, which made it very easy to continue to develop his skills with teachers that already knew him.

Describing his seven years at Duke’s as fun, friendly and inspiring, Jack enjoyed the practical element of the courses and really enjoyed enrichment opportunities, which provided some much needed downtime. Jack was on the school football team and represented the school for a number of years.

Jack said: “The atmosphere in the Sixth Form was great, you get to spend time with your friends in the huge common room as well as learning alongside.”

“The teachers were all round nice people and they made sure you were continually inspired to help you achieve your best results.”

Jack’s advice for other students is: “Keep your head down and work hard and make sure you take in as many opportunities as you can. Most of all though, enjoy yourself.”

Jack is now working at local employer AkzoNobel as a line operative.

Megan Roberts

Studying Business, Photography, and Media at Duke’s helped Megan progress into a role with leading software company, Sage.

The former pupil from Ellington First School and Duke’s Secondary chose to continue her studies at Duke’s Sixth Form. Megan developed great relationships with the teaching staff, which made it very easy to continue to develop her skills with teachers that already knew her.

Describing her seven years at Duke’s as supportive, helpful and fun, Megan enjoyed the variation the courses offered and the opportunities that went alongside including the photography trip to Paris.

Megan said she: “Still misses Duke’s to this day. Everyone was super friendly and it was a great place to learn.”
“The work experience within sixth form is what sticks with me every day. We were so lucky to go and volunteer in South Africa”. “The opportunities that the school gives to you is amazing!”

Megan’s advice for other students is: “When people say ‘school is the best days of your life’, they aren’t lying! Enjoy your time with your friends, work hard, and keep a positive mindset.”

Megan is now putting her business skills to good use and is working in Human Resources at Mediaworks, a digital marketing company.

Alanya Wilson

Studying History, Philosophy, English and Media at Duke’s helped Alanya progress to university and secure a job as a Secondary School English teacher.

The former pupil from Moorside Primary and Duke’s Secondary chose to continue her studies at Duke’s Sixth Form after being impressed by the dedicated teaching staff, and the wide range of course options.

Describing her seven years at Duke’s as supportive, caring and fun, Alanya enjoyed the variation the courses offered which meant she learned something new every day.

“The Sixth Form area of the school was great and the support was second to none,” she said. “The teachers truly do have your best intentions at heart and will do anything to ensure you succeed.”

“We also had the privilege of being able to attend work experience and I attended various work placements including The Chronicle, Local MP Office, Bishop’s School, and ITV.”

Alanya’s advice for other students is: “Get involved. If you’re given an opportunity, take it, It wasn’t my grades that got me where I am, it was work experience, volunteering and student leadership skills that set me apart from everyone else. I put myself out there.”

Alanya is now working a secondary school English teacher in Doncaster and is also studying for her Masters in Secondary Education.

Lewis Sampson

“Since I left Duke’s Sixth Form, I have been able to gain a bundle of new experiences and skills which has pushed my physical and academic learning in the sporting sector. I am currently in my last year of my degree which is Sport and Education at Newcastle College University Centre. In my 2 years at university, I have gained coaching badges in cricket and basketball, furthermore I have gained first aid, safeguarding, coaching fundamentals and coaching disabled people in sport. This has not only built my academic side but it has improved my personal skills which has allowed me to be more confident in the sporting industry.

“Throughout my first and second year I did a placement at Duke’s which allowed me to get first hand experience of teaching, this has helped me develop my teaching skills as I got to shadow a professional who has been in the teaching industry for years. Doing this allowed me to analyse their teaching styles which have worked so successfully for many years. The skills I have developed from this placement is skills that I use everyday in my current line of work.”

More Alumni success stories…