Life at Duke’s
Life at Duke’s is about much more than lessons. We want every student to feel that they belong, to take pride in their academy and to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Our values of Trust, Respect and Resilience shape everyday life at Duke’s. From the way we learn together in classrooms to the way we move around the academy, represent our community and support one another, we have high expectations because we have high ambitions for every young person.
A Place to Belong
Duke’s is a diverse and inclusive community in the heart of Tottenham. We want every student who walks through our gates to feel welcomed, known and valued.
Strong relationships between students and staff are at the heart of academy life. Our pastoral and tutor systems provide students with adults who know them well, celebrate their successes and provide support when they need it.
We also encourage students to understand their responsibility to others. Being part of Duke’s means contributing positively to our academy and wider community and demonstrating our values of Trust, Respect and Resilience every day.
The Duke’s Way
We believe that calm, orderly and purposeful schools allow young people to thrive. The Duke’s Way provides a clear and consistent set of expectations that helps create an environment where everyone can learn and succeed.
Students are expected to attend every day, arrive on time and ready to learn, wear their uniform with pride, respond positively to staff and show respect and kindness to others. Our classrooms and corridors are calm and purposeful so that teachers can teach and students can focus on learning.
These routines are not simply about rules. They help create a community in which students feel safe, learning is valued and everyone understands what is expected of them.
Beyond the Classroom
We want students to discover interests and talents that extend beyond their academic studies.
Throughout their time at Duke’s, students can take part in enrichment activities spanning sport, music, drama, art, performance, leadership and academic enrichment. Trips, workshops, competitions, performances and visits allow students to experience learning in new environments and broaden their understanding of the world.
Our strong tradition in the Expressive Arts is an important part of academy life, giving students opportunities to create, perform and work alongside professional artists and organisations.
Careers, Aspirations and the World of Work
Preparing students for life beyond Duke’s begins long before Year 11.
Through our careers programme, employer partnerships and Aldridge Connect and Connect+, students encounter universities, employers, apprenticeships and different professions throughout their time at the academy.
Our partnerships with organisations across London provide opportunities including mentoring, workplace visits, careers events, professional skills development and work experience.
We want students to leave Duke’s knowing that their background does not determine their destination and with the confidence to pursue ambitious next steps.
Student Leadership and Responsibility
Students should have opportunities not only to participate in academy life but to help shape it.
Through student leadership, representation and responsibilities across the academy, students develop confidence, independence and the ability to work with others. We encourage students to contribute ideas, represent their peers and become positive role models within the Duke’s community.
Leadership also means the everyday choices students make: supporting others, taking responsibility for their actions and contributing positively to their academy.
Celebrating Success
We believe achievement deserves to be recognised.
Throughout the year, we celebrate students who demonstrate our values, make excellent academic progress, contribute to academy life or achieve success beyond the classroom.
Assemblies, rewards, performances, events and our regular Parent Update give us opportunities to share these successes with students, families and our wider community.
We want our young people to be proud of what they achieve and equally proud of the achievements of others.
Part of Tottenham
Duke’s is proud to be part of Tottenham.
Our location provides our students with access to an extraordinary range of organisations, employers, cultural institutions and opportunities. Our relationships with local and London-wide partners help students experience worlds beyond the academy while remaining connected to the community in which they live.
From our neighbours at London Academy of Excellence Tottenham and Tottenham Hotspur to partnerships with employers, arts organisations and community groups, we use the opportunities around us to broaden students' experiences and aspirations.
Every Day Matters
Every day at Duke’s is another opportunity to learn something new, develop a talent, build a friendship, overcome a challenge or discover a future possibility.
We want every student to make the most of those opportunities.
Our ambition is that young people leave Duke’s as confident, knowledgeable and resilient individuals who are proud of themselves, proud of their community and ready for the next stage of their lives.