Duke’s Secondary School — Welcoming every student to learn, grow, and flourish. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
— Matthew 25:35
Our Vision & Welcome
Duke’s Secondary School is a place of welcome and hospitality for all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every student, regardless of background or starting point, feels valued and supported in reaching their full potential.
EAL Provision & Student Support
Student Mentoring
Buddy System: EAL pupils, whatever time of year they join us, are paired with a “buddy” pupil or team of pupils to guide and assist them in lessons and around the school.
Staff Development & Accelerated Progress
We hold regular staff training to help teachers continually develop their practice so that EAL pupils can master new vocabulary and access subject content effectively. Our goal is to enable all EAL pupils to make accelerated progress with their English, allowing them to fully participate in the entire curriculum, join out-of-school activities and enrichment, build lasting friendships, and find true happiness here. Students are supported to learn and progress in their understanding of the English language through some small group and 1:1 sessions during tutor time from our expert EAL HLTA.
Pastoral Care & Community Expertise
Our School Chaplain offers ongoing pastoral support and actively liaises with families and external support organizations, such as Northumberland County of Sanctuary. Over many years, Duke’s Secondary has developed extensive expertise in supporting EAL pupils—many of whom are asylum seekers facing unique challenges—ensuring a warm welcome and smooth transition into life in their new home.
Language Qualifications & Curriculum Offerings
We actively encourage and support our multilingual learners to gain qualifications in their home languages. In past years, we have entered students for GCSEs in Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu, Arabic, and Turkish. Additionally, French is offered to all students across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
British Council International School Award
Duke’s Secondary School has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring global perspectives into the classroom.
The International School Award celebrates schools that deliver exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension across the curriculum lies at the heart of our work, equipping young people with the cultural understanding, empathy, and skills essential for life and work in today’s modern world.
Global Activities & Twinning
Our international work spans a rich variety of curriculum projects and global partnerships:
- School Twinning: An ongoing partnership with our twinned school, Röntgen-Gymnasium in Remscheid, Germany.
- Global Days: Shared celebrations, such as International Happiness Day.
- Cross-Curricular Learning: Collaborative international projects in subjects including mathematics.