G
C
E B R ATI
N
EL
YE
A
RS
ES
Founder’s Annual Review OF DU
K
TOGETHER WE’RE EXTRAORDINARY
Front Cover: Elian’s British School of La Nucía, Spain
Contents
01 Welcome
02 Looking Back
8
Welcome to 2025
32
Our Highlights
76
New Additions
12
10 Years of Dukes
54
Student Showcase
78
Dukes Conference 2025
18
What does Dukes stand for?
58
Dukes Alumni
80
Dukes Awards 2025
59
Where are they now?
82
Dukes External Awards
22
Dukes UK & Ireland
62
Little Dukes
84
66
Safeguarding, Compliance & Inspections
Dukes Plus
74
International Students
24 26
Dukes Europe Meet the Family
03
Look at Dukes Now
What makes
Dukes Different?
2025 and Beyond
90
Dukes Villages
114
Adding Value
134
Quality of Teaching
92
Dukes by Numbers
116
The Dukes Difference
136
New Developments
94
Our People
118
Learning & Development
140
Marketing & Admissions
100
Heroes Behind the Crown
119
Dukes Plus
142
Dukes in the News
102
Community Co-ordinators
120
143
Dukes Hub
104
Insight
Dukes Young Leaders Award
144
Dates for your Diary
122
Dukes Club
145
Dukes Festival of the Arts
124
Dukes Foundation
128
Poetry Together
105
4
04 05
bob
106
Well-being
108
Sustainability
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
5
01 WELCOME
6
WELCOME
8
Welcome to 2025
12
10 Years of Dukes
18
What does Dukes stand for?
22
Dukes UK & Ireland
24
Dukes Europe
26
Meet the Family
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
7
2025: CELEBRATING A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE A 10th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to look ahead to the opportunities yet to come. In 2025, Dukes Education celebrates its first decade—a milestone that once felt like a distant dream.
Aatif Hassan Founder & Chairman
I am deeply moved and grateful to
families, and communities. This
Our second act of celebration is the
everyone who has contributed to
year, we will host the Dukes Festival
launch of the Dukes Foundation’s
Aatif Hassan founded Dukes Education
this extraordinary story. Together,
of the Arts at the Royal Festival
bold new initiative to become the
in 2015 and holds positions as Chairman
we’ve built something remarkable:
Hall, where over 950 students
largest provider of transformational
of Cavendish Education and trustee of St
a community driven by the purpose
from across the Dukes family will
bursaries in the UK. By supporting 500
James Independent Schools. He holds a
of enabling young people to lead
showcase their talent on an iconic
children from low-income families,
British Army officer commission and was
extraordinary lives through education.
stage. Highlights include a 750-voice
the Foundation will give young
massed choir, chamber ensembles,
people access to the opportunities,
awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2019 for his contributions to education. He
To mark this significant anniversary,
soloists, and a full orchestra.
mentorship, and education that can
is also Chair of Dukes Foundation, trustee
we wanted to celebrate not ourselves,
It will be a truly unforgettable
transform their lives. This is more than
of the British Asian Trust and founding
but the people who make Dukes
celebration of creativity,
a goal—it’s a moral imperative for a
trustee of The Queen’s Reading Room.
what it is—our students, staff,
collaboration, and excellence.
group committed to leading with heart.
8
W elcome
© David Rose /Telegraph Media Group Holdings Limited 2025
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
9
Three Priorities for the Next Decade As we look ahead, my vision for the next decade is focused on three core priorities: building an enduring brand, further developing our sustainable business model, and continuing to enhance the quality of education. 1. Building an Enduring Brand
2. Developing a Sustainable Business Model
3. Enhancing the Quality of Education
From the beginning, Dukes was
A Decade of Resilience
expansion across the continent,
by the quality of education we
and Innovation
with 10 settings joining our family,
deliver. Education is the ‘poetry’
conceived as more than a schools
Resilience has been the foundation
The quality of teaching remains
group - it was built to embody
of our growth. By implementing
the defining measure of our
a meaningful purpose. Over the
robust systems and processes,
success. At the heart of our
past decade, we have established
we have ensured that Dukes
approach is the delivery unit,
our brand as a trusted mark of
can adapt to challenges while
which unifies the sharing of
excellence, not only for our schools
continuing to thrive. Our ability
knowledge and drives higher
but also for the communities
to absorb external shocks (like
standards across all our schools.
we serve. Through professional
VAT legislation in the UK) and
By focusing on collaboration
development, cultural events, and
support families reflects our
and continuous improvement, we
staff awards, we embody ambition,
prudent, sustainable approach. As
strengthen the very aspects of
compassion, and quality. A strong
we expand across Europe, these
education that AI cannot replace:
brand is one that inspires trust, and
principles will remain central to our
the personal connections, the
I am proud that Dukes is recognised
strategy, ensuring that our growth
inspiration, and the transformative
for its integrity and impact.
is both responsible and enduring.
power of great teaching.
Looking Ahead
in Croatia, Czechia, Greece,
that animates the ‘plumbing’ of
As I reflect on the past decade,
Over the past ten years, Dukes
Portugal and Romania during
our organisation. In September,
I am filled with gratitude for the
has grown from an ambitious
2024. These appointments reflect
we are promoting Libby Nicholas
resilience, creativity, and dedication
vision into a trusted name in
our commitment to sustainable
to Group Education Director to
of everyone who has shaped
drive quality across all our schools
Dukes Education. I am equally
and colleges. Libby’s focus will be
excited about the road ahead. The
premium education. From Brexit
growth and operational excellence.
and the COVID-19 pandemic to global economic shocks and the
Innovation remains at the heart of
on sharing best practice, raising
challenges we face are real, but our
introduction of VAT on school
our strategy. From hybrid schools
standards, and ensuring that
commitment to delivering excellence
fees, the challenges have been
offering flexible learning models,
every student benefits from an
in education is unwavering. I look
significant. Yet, through it all,
to pioneering the use of AI in the
exceptional learning experience.
forward to the next chapter of
Dukes has not only endured
classroom, we are embracing
but thrived. This is a testament
opportunities to enhance teaching,
In an increasingly digital world, we
all our stakeholders for their
to our exceptional teams,
improve the workload for educators,
remain steadfast in our belief in
trust and belief in what we do.
whose expertise and dedication
and accelerate learning outcomes
the power of human connection.
continue to drive our success.
for students. Leading this charge
Great teaching - rooted in passion,
Together, we will continue to
this incredible journey and thank
is our AI taskforce, under the
knowledge, and care - creates
enable young people to lead
In 2024, we planned extensively
guidance of David Goodhew,
the transformative moments
extraordinary lives.
for the UK government’s VAT
ensuring Dukes remains at the
where children’s eyes light up with
legislation. Under Tim Fish’s
forefront of educational innovation.
understanding. This is something
leadership as CEO for the UK and Ireland, we have been able to
The Heart of What We Do
Method
We lead with heart We love learning We’re a team We do it well
Long-term An thinking extraordinary Flat structure life for our Pupil- children centric People who share a common -thread
where we will continue to invest our energy and resources.
to support families. Meanwhile,
While systems, processes, and
David Fitzgerald, our new CEO
policies provide the foundation for
for Europe, is spearheading our
our work, our purpose is defined
W elcome
Values
AI cannot replicate, and it is
absorb a proportion of these costs
10
Vision
Aatif Hassan Founder & Chairman
Scan to see... Dukes Education highlights from the past two years
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
11
2015
2016 Rochester
Building the
Arts College join Oxbridge Applications
Independent
as part of the ‘Dukes’ organisation,
College joins
US university application support is
the Dukes
is published
added to our consultancy offering
family
Summer Boarding Courses and Fine
2017
Cardiff Sixth Form
The Dukes Publications
Crown, our
College and Earlscliffe
series is launched: three
culture book,
join the Dukes family
market-leading titles on university admissions
It’s been 10 extraordinary years. The dedication, teamwork, and commitment of the whole Dukes family has shaped countless lives and created lasting memories. This milestone reflects our passion and perseverance. Here’s to celebrating the journey and embracing a future filled with growth,
MARCH 2015 Dukes Education formally launched
inspiration, and even greater achievements.
SEPTEMBER 2019
2019 APRIL 2019
2018
AUGUST 2019
JULY 2019
JUNE 2019
MAY 2019
Sancton Wood moves
Broomfield House
Heathside School,
A-List UK joins the
Active Education
The Lyceum
Nursery, Eaton Square, The Lyceum,
into new Bateman Street
School, Kew Montessori
Reflections
Dukes family
Group joins the
moves into
Sancton Wood, and Twickenham Park
building. Eaton Square Prep
and St Margarets
Nursery, and Bright
Dukes family
new building
Day Nursery join the Dukes family
moves into new building
Montessori join the
Beginnings join the
Dukes family
Dukes family
Knightsbridge School, Miss Daisy’s
SEPTEMBER 2019 The inaugural Dukes Schools Conference
OCTOBER 2019
NOVEMBER 2019
Hopes and Dreams Montessori Nursery
2020
JANUARY 2020
MARCH 2020
Radnor House
Bassett House,
School Twickenham
Orchard House, and
School joins the
joins the Dukes
Prospect House join
Dukes family
family
the Dukes family
2021
JANUARY 2021
FEBRUARY 2021
MARCH 2021
First Senior
The Career
Chiswick & Bedford Park
Hampton Court
Leaders’
Portal joins the
and St Andrew’s College
House joins the
Conference
Dukes family
join the Dukes family
Dukes family
CHRISTMAS 2019 The family, 1,000 people strong, sits down to Christmas dinner together
12
W elcome
DUKES TURNS
5
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
13
2021
2022
JUNE 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
NOVEMBER 2021
MARCH 2022
MARCH 2022
APRIL 2022
MAY 2022
Eaton House
Broomwood Hall Lower, Broomwood Hall
Dukes completes purchase of
Duchess of Cornwall
Devonshire House
Inaugural Dukes
InvestIN Education
Dukes Club
Schools join
Upper, Northcote Lodge, Northwood
Kneller Hall and announces that
attends Dukes Poetry
School joins the
sustainable
& JK Educate join
launches
the Dukes
Senior and The Kindergartens group
it will be the new home of an
Together event at Royal
Dukes family
careers week
the Dukes family
family
join the Dukes family
expanded Radnor House School
Geographical Society
JUNE 2022 The Pointer School in Blackheath joins the Dukes family
2023
JULY 2023
JUNE 2023
MAY 2023
APRIL 2023
FEBRUARY 2023
JANUARY 2023
SEPTEMBER 2022
Notting Hill Prep and
Colégio Júlio
International Sharing
The Institute of
Copperfield
The family, 2,500 strong,
CSFC opens new
The Acorn Nursery
Dinis, Porto, joins
School, Taguspark, Lisbon
Education, Dublin,
International
gathers at Wembley
campus in Cambridge,
join the Dukes family
the Dukes family
joins the Dukes family
joins the Dukes family
School, Verbier, joins
Stadium for the Dukes
and Eaton Square opens
the Dukes family
Education conference
new Sixth Form college
NOVEMBER 2022 United Lisbon International School joins Dukes as first international member
2024
2025
AUGUST 2023
NOVEMBER 2023
JANUARY 2024
MARCH 2024
MAY 2024
SEPTEMBER 2024
JANUARY 2025
JANUARY 2025
Her Majesty Queen
IEP Group joins
Pippa Pop-ins
Consilium joins
International
Verita International
The second Dukes conference
Colégio Luso
Camilla attends
the Dukes family
nursery schools and
the Dukes family
School of
School joins the
is held at Wembley Stadium,
Internacional de Braga
Poetry Together
Bruce College, Cork
Athens joins the
Dukes family
united under the theme
joins the Dukes family
Showcase
join the Dukes family
Dukes family
‘The Heart of Education’
DUKES TURNS
10
14
W elcome
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
15
Ten years ago, our story began with a question...
“What your sing?” 16
W elcome
makes heart Our story is remarkable, and it’s only just begun...
Scan to see... the Dukes journey over the last 10 years
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
17
WHAT DOES DUKES STAND FOR?
Leadership expands our
purpose & values
LEADERSHIP SE
R
P
NT
H-
VE
HIG
AD
Inspiring self-leadership, presence and collaboration in ourselves and our children.
E
R
U
R
E
&
FO
IN
V
IC
RM
NO
An innate sense of the greater good. Facilitating the success of others.
E
AN
VA
CE
TION
Being the best in your own terms – fulfilling potential at an individual level. Cultivating curiosity, fun and discovery – making education be more than just exam results.
18
W elcome
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
19
PURP OSE:
To empower our children to live an extraordinary life through education.
VALUES:
MISSION:
We lead with heart.
Leadership Service
We love learning.
High-performance
We’re a team.
Adventure & Innovation
We do it well.
VISION:
– Leader in Premium K12 and education services – Operating in Western economies – Thriving charitable Foundation offering transformational bursaries
Doing it well
– Thought leaders
So how will we measure whether it’s working?
– Best place to work in Education
Pupil numbers
Happiness
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Do people love working
For how long?
Staff retention & satisfaction
Are our parents and
Compliance
Are we upholding rigorous
How many are coming to us? How many are staying?
pupils reporting that
with us?
standards of care?
they are happy?
Quality of Education
Brand
Sustainable Business Model
Educational outcomes
Are our academic programmes delivering?
Financial stability
Are we looking healthy enough to ensure we can provide quality education for our children in the coming years?
20
W elcome
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
21
Dukes UK I REL AN D UNI T E D K I NGD OM
& Ireland
Tim Fish, Dukes UK & Ireland CEO
We started 2024 with Bruce College
westerly members. The geography
joining the Dukes family in late
does not preclude full involvement
January, meaning that the best
in all our activities and initiatives,
schools of their type in both Dublin
and our 6th Dukes Renaissance
- with the Institute of Education -
Scholars Symposium will take place
and Cork, Ireland’s second city and
in Dublin in late March 2025.
home to Bruce, are now our most The announcement by the new UK government in July 2024 that Value Added Tax (VAT) would be introduced on school fees from 1st January 2025 brought forward undeniably the single biggest challenge to private education in living memory. However, the independent sector has proved itself remarkably resilient to all types of threat over the years, most recently with Covid. Regrettably, small, individual schools are the ones most at risk in the current climate, and we are fortunate that the Dukes umbrella offers cover to our schools through scale and size. Of course, our families deserve the fullest of praise for their commitment and sacrifice to ensure continuity of education
CSFC’s sustained excellence over
children through shared global
for their children in our care. In turn,
many years is truly remarkable.
themes across our curricula. Dukes
we vow to do all we can to deliver an all-round offer of the highest quality.
22
W elcome
Education’s 10th year promises much, The coming year will see us focus on
and if we’ve learnt anything from
how we can maximise the power of
the previous nine - it will deliver...!
With prep school leavers’ destination
the collective through both the ‘village
senior school lists the envy of many,
strategy’ and wider access to our
With thanks for your much-
and GCSE, A-level and Irish Leaving
Dukes Plus activities across our UK
valued support.
Certificate results in 2024 leading the
portfolio, with greater collaboration
way, we aim to improve continuously
and improved opportunities for our
the academic outcomes for all.
pupils. As we work with our Dukes
Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC)
Europe colleagues, we will see
once again topped the A-level results
stimulating professional development
UK league table, closely followed
through teacher exchange, and
by its sister school in Cambridge.
exciting learning initiatives for
Tim Fish Dukes UK & Ireland CEO
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
23
CZ ECHIA
SW IT Z ERL AN D R OMAN IA CR OATIA
P ORT U GA L
SPA IN GREECE
Dukes Europe 2024 was a transformative year for the European division of Dukes, as we expanded from 10 schools in Spain and Portugal to a thriving family of 22 schools spanning Spain, Portugal, Greece, Czechia, Croatia, Romania and Switzerland. This remarkable growth has unlocked new opportunities for collaboration on an unprecedented scale, enabling us to build strong networks both within and across countries. Collaboration will remain David Fitzgerald, Europe CEO
a cornerstone of our operations in Europe as we harness the benefits of our economies of scale, particularly in areas such as professional expertise, student engagement, and teacher exchange programmes. we firmly believe that our ability to
school. Alongside this, we have
premium, independent education
In tandem with our growing number
innovate and thrive hinges on the
worked to embed Dukes Education’s
provider across Europe. Together,
of schools, we have also expanded
quality of our people. I am thrilled
processes and values and identify
we are building on the outstanding
our European leadership structure.
with the outstanding leadership
opportunities for future growth. As
foundations laid by our UK colleagues
We now have a full complement
teams we have established across
we look to 2025, our priorities will
over the past decade and charting an
of Managing Directors overseeing
Europe and their dedication
include further embedding high-
ambitious course for the future.
operations in Spain, Portugal,
to delivering excellence.
quality teaching and learning,
and Central Europe, supported
24
W elcome
strengthening the Dukes approach
by a Director of People, Chief
The focus for 2024 has been
to safeguarding across all schools,
Financial Officer, and Directors of
threefold: welcoming our school
and investing in the development
Admissions and Marketing, Learning,
communities into the Dukes family,
of middle and senior leaders.
and Property. High-performing
building strong relationships, and
school support teams are based
gaining a deep understanding
This is a truly exciting time for Dukes
in Spain and Czechia. At Dukes,
of the unique contexts of each
as we strive to become the leading
David Fitzgerald Dukes Europe CEO
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
25
Meet the Family
In numbers...
7
Founded in 2015, Dukes brings
nursery brands
together a carefully curated group of nurseries, schools, colleges,
19 14 9 prep schools
senior schools
all through schools
8
boarding schools
22
international schools
7
Dukes Plus services
IRE L A ND
education consultancies and student experience organisations.
Institute of Education
Our central teams are based in London and Madrid. From here,
U N I TED KI N G D O M
we serve our settings in the UK,
Bruce College
Ireland and Europe, providing
Prague Humanities Grammar School š.po
administrative support and training, whilst promoting high-performance,
Beehive
leadership, and well-being.
Square Primary School
Pupils 2019
Bambíno
American Academy in Prague American Academy CZE CHIA in Brno JK Education
2,565 SWI T Z E R L AN D
21,400
2025
Copperfield International School
American Academy in Zagreb
ROMANIA
C R OAT I A
Colegio Inglés English School of Asturias Verita International School Colegio Internacional de Valladolid
Colegio Inglés Zaragoza
Colégio Luso Internacional de Braga Colégio Júlio Dinis
Colegio Joyfe
P O RT UGA L
S PA IN Engage International School
United Lisbon International School International Sharing School
International 26
W elcome
International English School of Castellón
GR E E CE International School of Athens
Elian’s British School of La Nucía
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
27
United Kingdom
Heathside School Hampstead Sancton Wood Nursery, Cambridge
Devonshire House School Hampstead Fine Arts College
Sancton Wood School, Cambridge
Institute of Education
Ireland
Hopes and Dreams Montessori Nursery School
St. Andrew’s College, Cambridge Cardiff Sixth Form College, Cambridge Campus
OLD STREET
Hopes and Dreams Montessori Nursery School ANGEL
Wales
Bruce College
Bassett House School
Miss Daisy’s Nursery
LOND ON
Cardiff Sixth Form College
Rochester Independent College
The Acorn Nursery Notting Hill Preparatory School
Earlscliffe Reflections Day Nursery & Forest School
Knightsbridge School
POOH CORNER
Hove Village Nurseries
Eaton House Belgravia School
Miss Daisy’s Nursery CHELSEA
Miss Daisy’s Nursery KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Riverside Nursery Schools KEW MONTESSORI
Pippa Pop-ins Kindergartens
Riverside Nursery Schools
MOUSE HOLE
ST MARGARETS MONTESSORI
Riverside Nursery Schools
Radnor House Prep
TWICKENHAM PARK
Nursery School Preparatory School
Kindergartens MOUSE HOUSE
Kneller Hall School
Broomwood Prep BOYS
Senior School Sixth Form College
Radnor House School
Kindergartens Riverside Nursery Schools
London Park School Sixth Kindergartens Eaton House THE MANOR GIRLS SCHOOL THE MANOR BOYS SCHOOL
Broomwood Prep GIRLS
London Park School Clapham
Prospect House School
*
BELGRAVIA
THE PARK
RICHMOND
Educational Setting:
Eaton Square Prep School Miss Daisy’s Nursery
BROOK GREEN
Broomfield House School
KE Y:
Dukes Education DUKES HOUSE, BUCKINGHAM GATE
Miss Daisy’s Nursery
Orchard House School
Riverside Nursery Schools
London Park School Mayfair
Pippa Pop-ins
Kindergartens
The Lyceum School
HYDE PARK
CRESCENT II
The Pointer School
Broomwood Pre-prep Kindergartens THE PARK
GROSVENOR HOUSE
Dukes Plus: Ultimate Activity Camps Summer Boarding Courses InvestIN Education
*
Opening soon
28
W elcome
Hampton Court House School
London ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
29
02 LOOKING BACK
30
L ooking B ack
32
Our Highlights
76
New Additions
54
Student Showcase
78
Dukes Conference 2025
58
Dukes Alumni
80
Dukes Awards 2025
59
Where are they now?
82
Dukes External Awards
62
Little Dukes
84
66
Safeguarding, Compliance & Inspections
Dukes Plus
74
International Students
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
31
Pippa Pop-ins
Our Highlights: Little Dukes Hopes and Dreams
now thriving on Brighton’s seafront, 2024 saw the team and children deepen their ties to the local community. Bloomsbury on the Beach’s beach school flourished, keeping their stretch of the shore litter-free and having plenty of fun along the way. Meanwhile, the New Church Road setting sponsored Lagoon Fest in Hove, demonstrating how Hove Village Nurseries are truly making their mark.
schools, merged seamlessly into the
Pippa Pop-ins into the Little
group. The highlight of their year
Dukes family in January 2024.
so far has most definitely been the
These four well-established and
long-standing sports day in South
much-loved nursery schools,
Park where parents, children, and
recognised in West London for their
staff team alike enjoyed races,
traditional approach to Early Years
celebrations and a wonderful array
education and their long-standing
of home-cooked afternoon treats.
relationships with Dukes prep
Hove Village With a fourth Hove Village Nursery
We were delighted to welcome
Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools Miss Daisy’s celebrated the festive season with two exciting events: a wonderful private visit to Hamleys on Regent Street and a fun-filled Christmas fair for all of their families at Chelsea Town Hall. The children visited Hamleys before the store opened so they could engage in festive games and activities. The Christmas fair was a magical event with lots of traditional
Hopes and Dreams Montessori
who might consider Hopes and
Nurseries teamed up with the Dukes
Dreams for their younger children.
Club for a family fun day brimming with learning and exploration—from bringing beloved stories to life to encountering exotic creatures. It was a fantastic way to fully introduce the nursery’s nurturing environment to Dukes Club parents
“In September, Hopes and Dreams celebrated 27 years of serving children and families, nurturing a lifelong love of learning through Montessori.”
activities such as face painting, hook a duck, a snowball alley and of course, a visit from Santa!
Reflections The annual Reflections Summer Fun Day, held to celebrate and thank our wonderful children and families, was bigger and better this year. Parents were
The Kindergartens
encouraged to bring friends
There has been a big focus on the
This year has been a period
along, creating a welcoming,
outdoor areas at The Kindergartens
of exciting change at The
community-focused atmosphere.
over the past year. Several of the
Kindergartens with Natalie
The entire day revolved
nurseries have transformed their
Atkins taking up a new post as
around the fantastic learning
outdoor spaces to create calm,
Principal, two of the settings have
opportunities our garden offers—
inviting environments which greatly
completed their first full year of
providing children with hands-
enhance the children’s ability to
full time education with record
on experiences in exploration,
Among the many exciting events and
explore and engage with nature,
numbers of children attending
creativity, and discovery, and
celebrations held throughout the
this, coupled with a brand-new
and Park 11 achieved a 10/10
fostering deeper connections with
year, the Halloween fun day was one
Forest School lead, means that The
score from the daynurseries.co.uk
nature. It was a truly memorable
of the biggest hits. The children loved
Kindergartens are leading the way
awards and now ranks among
day that highlighted the joy and
exploring new things and had lots of
the top 30 nurseries in London.
growth our outdoor space inspires.
fun with creepy crawlies and pumpkins.
in sustainable outdoor education.
32
L ooking B ack
Riverside
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
33
Broomwood
Our Highlights: Prep & Senior Bassett House At Bassett House, the focus has been on the importance of remembrance in the community.
The Broomwood Bear is a familiar
Staff at Broomwood are keen to
character who welcomes our
make new families and pupils
youngest children into school at the
welcome and they want every child
start of the year and accompanies
to feel cherished from the moment
them to community events,
they apply. The smallest children
festivals, and celebrations. This
get to know the bear in the build-up
year he made a guest appearance
to starting school. Every prospective
on the Dukes Education stand at
child for pre-school and Reception is
the Independent Schools Show,
sent a specially designed storybook
where he was a popular figure
about going to school Little
with adults and youngsters alike.
Bear goes to Broomwood which
“It was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s warmth and humour, whilst talking more seriously about its unique approach to education and its outstanding results.”
Pupils learned about the sacrifice made by the North Kensington community 100 years ago and explored the history of Kensington Memorial Park, which was offered as a public space in 1926. This space, which is used daily for breaks and lunchtimes by Bassett pupils,
features Broomwood classrooms and pupils. Children joining also receive a Broomwood Bear birthday card and teddy, as well as being invited to a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in advance of the first day.
was created to honour those who lost their lives during the Great War. To mark the occasion, each pupil
minute silence. This act of collective
community sacrifice. Taking part
and member of staff gathered
reflection served as a moving
in this tribute deepened Bassett
around the park’s memorial garden
reminder of the importance of
pupils’ understanding of their local
for the first time in Bassett’s history
Copperfield International School
remembrance and the legacy of
area, and the power of community.
launched its new Mountain
and observed a poignant two-
Copperfield
Leadership Programme (MLP), designed specifically for secondary students. The programme
Broomfield House
Perhaps the most noticeable recent
emphasises teamwork, resilience,
change has been the transformation
and leadership development
of a concrete car park into a
through a series of outdoor
wonderful outdoor learning space,
expeditions. Despite varying
now a peaceful, nature-filled area
weather conditions, students have
designed for all children to enjoy.
successfully completed challenging
Backed by research showing that
hikes to stunning alpine destinations
spending time in nature reduces
like Le Grammont and Rogneux.
stress and enhances mental wellbeing, this development project
The energy and enthusiasm
is part of a broader vision to
during these events have been
nurture well-rounded individuals
incredible, creating unforgettable
who understand the importance
experiences for everyone involved.
of sustainability. The transition
These weekend expeditions play
from concrete to nature is not
a key role in building lasting
skills, whilst building confidence
just about restoring wildlife; it
friendships among students and
and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. This programme
Rewilding is transforming
of our sustainability strategy,
is also about creating a space
creating a supportive community.
Broomfield House School as part
which includes planting a tree in
that offers enriching educational
Through a series of expeditions and
marks a bold step forward in the
opportunities for our children.
challenges across the year, students
school’s commitment to experiential
will develop essential outdoor
learning and personal growth.
of a growing global movement to
the Scottish Highlands for every
restore biodiversity. We are proud
new pupil joining the school.
34
L ooking B ack
“The sense of achievement, overcoming and sharing challenges with my friends has felt amazing especially when you are rewarded by a great view from the summits.”
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
35
Eaton House Belgravia
Eaton Square Prep
Eaton House Belgravia has fast-
Early morning, targeted support
Eaton Square Prep celebrates the
tracked many changes in the last six
sessions have been introduced,
recognition they received during the
months, creating the ‘Eaton House
designed to support all children in
January 2024 ISI EQI inspection.
Belgravia Edge’, working closely with
achieving high attainment and to
The visiting inspection team found
parents and fitting the school even
challenge those who are gifted and
excellence across all areas of the
more to be a superhighway to 7+ and
talented across the curriculum. To
school, but the school was especially
8+ exams.
support pupils’ well-being, outdoor
proud to have been awarded the
play and games sessions have
highly coveted, but rarely given,
For children from age 2, compound
been extended and each class
Significant Strength for their
learning has been implemented in
participates in Outdoor Learning
inclusion practices. This recognition
an accumulative and responsible
every week. All these changes taken
highlighted the exceptional support
manner, alongside rich and
together ensure that the children’s
provided for a wide range of pupils,
meaningful learning experiences,
school experience is balanced,
including the more able, those with
building an even stronger foundation
broad and unrivalled.
English as an Additional Language,
for 7+ and 8+ examination success.
and children with additional needs.
Devonshire House The inspection team praised the Devonshire House School
amazing progress and development
spearheaded a gathering of young
made by these groups. This was
scientific minds, hosting a Year
evidenced by comprehensive data
7 Science Fair for participants
on each child, including senior
that pupils have made, and continue
be recognised as a shining example
from local state and independent
school offers and academic awards,
to make, from their individual starting
for other schools in this vital area.
schools. The event saw over 100
demonstrating the remarkable strides
points. Eaton Square Prep is proud to
pupils from 20 schools from the Hampstead area, with each pupil bringing their unique project and
Hampton Court House School
an eagerness to learn from one another. The event was sponsored by local favourite, Daunt Books,
two years after the garden was first
adding a layer of community
conceived. The garden is a shared
involvement in this inaugural event.
Eaton House The Manor
Students presented their projects,
In June, the Eaton House The Manor
vegetables, and pollinator-friendly
which ranged from perfecting
community gathered to celebrate
plants. Sustainable practice is
biscuit-dunking techniques to
30 glorious years of Eaton House
at the heart of its maintenance
proposing new sustainable energy
The Manor at St Luke’s church,
and much of the garden is
solutions, to other students, science
Battersea. Principal, Mrs Segrave,
crafted from reused materials.
teachers, and visiting parents. The
gave an inspirational speech,
variety of projects on display was
recalling what a privilege it had
The thriving garden is used
a testament to the creativity within
been to serve as a teacher at Eaton
for outdoor lessons and is
our local schools. Highlighting the
House The Manor for such a long
and were joined by two other ex-
maintained by a dedicated team
intersection of science and popular
time. A wonderful event featuring
Eaton House heads, Lucy Watts, the
of parents and teachers. The
culture, TikTok sensation and TV
hymns, music and poems followed,
former Headmistress of Eaton House
garden also serves as a quiet
personality Francis Bourgeois kindly
with thanks for all the blessings that
Belgravia and Philippa Cawthorne,
sanctuary for students accessing
supported the event, engaging
life at Eaton House offered.
former Headmistress of Eaton House
counselling services, offering
The Manor Pre-Prep and current
a tranquil space for reflection.
space for parents, children, and teachers, offering a mix of fruit,
with students, offering words of encouragement, and picking the
Dukes Chairman and Founder, Aatif
Head of Well-being for Eaton House
Additionally, it has become a
ultimate competition winners and
Hassan, gave the closing remarks.
Schools. This made it a celebration
haven for wildlife. This thriving
overseeing the separate team-
With Sarah Segrave, Sebastian
of Eaton House The Manor life, past
The Hampton Court House School’s
Level 5 School Garden Award, the
ecosystem reflects the school’s
based engineering challenge -
Hepher and Jeremy Edwards, all the
and present, and represented all the
Community Garden achieved
highest award-level possible. This
commitment to sustainability
railway bridge-building competition.
former EHTM Prep heads attended
generations of the schools’ success.
the Royal Horticultural Society’s
remarkable achievement comes just
and community well-being.
36
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
37
Heathside School Hampstead
London Park School Mayfair
Notting Hill Prep
This year, Heathside has thrived with
Hampstead in aid of the Royal Free
The NHP Foundation has proudly
two years. Meanwhile, our ‘20
remarkable academic achievements
Charity, the NHS charity partner
Brave London Park School Mayfair
supported 54 pupils with fully-
for 20’ challenge saw students
and creative endeavours.
of the Royal Free London NHS
Year 7 students took centre stage
funded bursaries over the last 15
raise an impressive £8,000 for
Students have truly flourished,
Foundation Trust. Selected by the
for a spine-chilling promenade-
years, transforming lives through
Radius, our impactful Community
and the school community has
children as the school’s charity of
style Haunted House performance
education. Currently, nine pupils
Partnerships Programme. Radius
grown stronger than ever.
the year, the Royal Free Charity is a
that left parents both wowed and
in Years 4 to 8 benefit from our
continues to strengthen ties with
cause close to the entire Heathside
wonderfully spooked. Set across
110% bursary programme.
local schools through initiatives
community’s heart, and the children
different areas of the school,
As the end of this fruitful year drew near, the school entered into
were proud to share the joy of
the festive spirit with Year 5 and
the season while giving back to
the Chamber Choir carol singing
such an important organisation.
outside the Royal Free Hospital in
During the inspection, the school
pride and celebration at London
community showcased the
Park School Clapham. The school
school’s nurturing and dynamic
achieved several significant
learning environment we have
milestones that highlight the
cultivated. The inspectors were
dedication and hard work of
particularly impressed with student
students, staff, and the entire
engagement, staff dedication
school community. A significant
and the schools’ culture. Notably,
Knightsbridge School
change was the relocation to the
the inspection concluded with no
new building. This move was a
recommendations for improvement,
This year, Knightsbridge invited Junior School students from Years 3 - 6 to explore the exciting world of the Senior School in a whole new way. Each participant received their Night at Knightsbridge Passport, stamped with pride as they journeyed through each activity, just like true adventurers.
monumental task but everyone
underscoring the exceptional
adapted quickly to the new
standards that had been achieved.
38
L ooking B ack
Community Choir, STEM roadshows,
creepy spiders, and lurking
year, we launched an ambitious
and interschool competitions.
skeletons, the play wove together
fundraising drive that exceeded all
With these achievements as a
spooky tales that kept the audience
expectations. The Bursary Bonanza
foundation, we’re setting our sights
on edge.
raised a phenomenal £137,000,
even higher; expanding Radius and
far surpassing our £100,000
reaching our goal of supporting
target and funding five pupils for
15 bursary pupils by 2030.
remarkable was the enthusiastic
The last year has been one of
GCSE Art students attended an unforgettable time of their own – a workshop with shoe design icon, Jimmy Choo. Along with their families, the children attended an inspiring workshop at the London Fashion Academy in Mayfair. After creating some incredible designs, students benefited from Mr Choo’s creative wisdom and learnt the fundamentals of shoe design. The event culminated in an inspiring talk about his professional career and notable designs, before signing one of his designs for Knightsbridge School.
transformed with eerie cobwebs,
What made this experience truly
London Park School Clapham
like the Notting Hill Children’s To mark NHP’s 20th anniversary last
participation of every student, regardless of their acting experience. Their ability to put on a remarkable show less than a term into their senior school journey, made both staff and parents immensely proud.
environment. In June, Ofsted inspectors were welcomed into the school, resulting in an ‘Outstanding’ rating in all areas - a remarkable achievement that is testament to the dedication and excellence demonstrated by students and staff.
“The school was excited to continue working together to provide an enriching and supportive environment for all students.” Orchard House School In September, Orchard House
to put together an amazing Team
School and Chiswick and Bedford
Building day for students who spent
Park Prep came together to form
a day off site with their new peers.
the new Orchard House School. On
In small teams, the children worked
the first day, our pupils arrived in
together to overcome a number
their newly-designed red and navy
of different challenges, designed
uniforms, excited to see not only
to encourage communication and
their old classmates, but to meet
teamwork. The day was a great
new ones too. With the merger
success, allowing our staff and
came a full school refurbishment,
pupils to grow and strengthen the
and new state-of-the-art facilities.
OHS community.
The Parent’s Association helped
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
39
Prospect House
Sancton Wood
The Lyceum
With pastoral care and well-being at
area. In addition to this, with the
Broadening the provision at The
the very heart of Prospect House’s
vast expanses of Putney Heath and
Lyceum has been the school’s focus
core values, it was a special week
Wimbledon Common just on the
in 2024, achieved by successfully
when Children’s Mental Health
doorstep, the children often venture
embedding STEAM within the school
Week was combined with the
here for both well-being walks and
curriculum and introducing AR and
highly anticipated annual ‘Book
outdoor learning lessons. Map
AI within the children’s lessons.
Week’, where life in and beyond the
reading, lighting fires, and scavenger
All the children now receive one
classroom got even more exciting.
hunts are just a few examples of
traditional computing lesson per
Dressed to express themselves, the
the ways in which the children
week and one topic-based STEAM
children wrote speeches, read and
develop their problem-solving,
lesson which has proved highly
walked with their ‘buddies’, engaged
communication skills and teamwork
popular and has helped provide
with a therapy dog, and made hot
whilst enjoying the fresh air and
them with the skills they may
chocolate and s’mores in The Hollow.
nature; a sure way of encouraging
require in their future careers.
Carrying out creative activities in
children to engage with a space that
The Hollow was certainly no one-off;
feels calm, inviting, and connected
The Lyceum held their very first
weekly Forest School sessions take
to the world around them.
STEAM fair in the autumn term
homemade rockets while the Year
where the children in Reception
5 and 6 children displayed their AR
showcased their coding and
presentations on book reviews
programming skills through
of their merge cubes.
place in this on-site outdoor learning
Radnor House Twickenham
Radnor House Prep In March, pupils of Radnor House Prep spent a very chilly night in the playground under cardboard dwellings they had created themselves. The pupils were aged 7 - 11 and, despite the cold, they all said it was one of the best events of the year.
“Over £3,000 was raised for the local charity, SPEAR, who support people experiencing homelessness in southwest London.”
In October, we held our annual Careers Day at the Senior School, providing older students with a unique opportunity to hear from professionals across various industries. This event is designed to help students explore potential career paths and identify those that might suit their interests and skills. An inspiring session hosted by career specialist and Dukes partner, InvestIN, set the tone of exploration and discovery.
Pupils in Years 7 to 9 undertake
of the Sixth Form students to make
an innovative, interdisciplinary
their mark beyond the classroom
mini-curriculum called
as thirteen students attended
Konnections, focused on creativity,
the Peter Jones Foundation
accountability and collaboration.
Awards Ceremony at The Pelligon,
In November, Year 7 pupils had a
Canary Wharf. The event was a
Careers Day is a key component
trip to Twickenham Stadium as
celebration of the Tycoon Enterprise
of Sancton Wood’s Post-
part of the programme where they
Competition and the launch of the
16 programme, which was
focussed on the impact the stadium
next round. Participating teams
recognised as a finalist in last
has on the local community.
write a business plan and acquire a
year’s Independent School of the
Konnections helps pupils to develop
good will loan of £3,000 from Peter
Year Awards. Careers Day plays
an appreciation of skills that are
Jones to start a business. Students
a crucial role in this programme,
transferable across the curriculum
compete nationally through a
bringing abstract concepts to
and encourages them to see
kick-starter style platform in a
life and potentially sparking
through the confines of classroom
controlled environment. One of our
walls, into our local community and
students courageously pitched her
beyond. A week later, it was the turn
initial idea to Peter Jones himself.
40
L ooking B ack
“STEAM sits perfectly within The Lyceum’s new vision of providing an education for today, tomorrow and the future.”
Students could then choose from an impressive array of 24 different career talks, from animal behaviour to theoretical physics.
interest in future academic or professional pursuits.
The Pointer School Students starting back at Pointers in September were amazed to see the familiar figure of the Coldstream guard who stands in the entrance, springs to life and greets them to celebrate the launch of the redeveloped ground floor. The excitement didn’t stop there - with plenty of inspiring new things to see inside the building, from a table made of over 20,000 pencils to a telephone box that reads stories when pupils answer the phone. It’s not all about the new, though: in the spirit of sustainability, important items from the school’s history have been given a new lease of life, from the antique toy planes that now zoom overhead in the school office to the old stained-glass door that stands proudly framed in the hallway. Even the classrooms have been upgraded, with custom-
technology with the Pointers vintage
made antique-style teaching
aesthetic. Who knew the first day
walls installed to blend the latest
back to school could be so exciting?!
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
41
Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge
Our Highlights: College & Sixth Form Bruce College In the first year as part of the
points or higher. Overall results
UCC, and the Royal College of
Dukes family, Bruce College
were exceptional and well ahead
Surgeons. Students from the 2024
students achieved outstanding
of national average. Students are
cohort have also accepted places in
Leaving certificate results. Thirty-
now dispersed across all the top
Cambridge University, Kings College
nine students achieved perfect
universities in Ireland including
London, Dundee University, Queen
to near-perfect scores of 600
Trinity College, Queens university,
Mary, Ulster University and Teesside.
The first cohort of students
achievements; their A-level results
with Cambridge undergraduates
graduated from start-up college,
placed the college as third in the
and project work with university
CSFC Cambridge, this year. The
UK for A* grades. As the first group
academics. As they begin the next
college was launched in 2022 as
of students at the college, they
stage of education at universities
the first sister school of CSFC with
played a central role in founding
including Cambridge, Imperial,
the aim of bringing the Cardiff
our college culture and ethos, not
UCL, Toronto and Edinburgh they
academic excellence to Cambridge.
to mention helping us to create The
leave behind a strong legacy and
The college was opened with a
Cambridge Edge™ super-curricular
a rather unusual EPQ project
small cohort of students who have
programme of lectures, academic
creation, a nuclear fusor, hand-
gone on to incredible academic
department visits, mentoring
built by former student Cesare.
Cardiff Sixth Form College Cardiff Sixth Form College’s annual
Earlscliffe
Cultural Event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the college and is the highlight of the school year. Music, dance, speeches and prizes all form part of the occasion. The strong House system, which is core to the college’s identity, is also celebrated when the winning
Event embody the vibrant nature of
traditional music, Vaughan-Williams
house is named in the fiercely
the college and this year we were
and even Bruno Mars!
competitive annual House Cup
treated to Indian dance, Chinese
competition. There are performance opportunities aplenty at CSFC, which hosts two annual music recitals: an Eisteddfod festival and even an annual TEDx event. The performances at the Cultural
42
L ooking B ack
“For the second year running, Cardiff has been named as a finalist in the ISA Boarding School of the Year competition and the Independent Schools of the Year competition, for ‘International Student Experience’. Our Cultural Event embodies exactly why this is.”
The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy continues to grow and excel. Players are competing in the national league with an impressive winning streak. University scholarship offers are now being received for the most ambitious of the squad. The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy provides a full training programme for both male and female players that adapts to the individual aims of the student. Some students are attending different team or skills sessions almost every day whilst others are mixing in occasionally only for some social fun.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
43
Hampstead Fine Arts College
St Andrew’s College Beyond academics, 2024 marked
The Summer Exhibition in June
a transformative year for student
was the highlight of the year, with
happiness and well-being at
students and parents gathered to
St Andrew’s. We implemented
celebrate everyone’s achievements.
targeted initiatives to foster a
The College took over a local
supportive and engaging school
cinema to show the A-level students’
environment, prioritising mental
films on the big screen, followed by
health, inclusivity, and student
canapés and drinks with musical
voice. The results were evident
performances, in our flower-filled
in our significantly improved
courtyard, from students across
student retention rates, reflecting
all the year groups. An exhibition
higher levels of satisfaction and
of remarkable Photography,
belonging among our students.
Graphics and Fine Art pieces was These successes underscore
displayed throughout the College and prizes were awarded for
carpet fashion show of beautifully
academic and artistic excellence
creative and inventive clothing and
plus wider contributions to college
accessories made in our Fashion/
life. The finale of the afternoon
Textiles classes, modelled by
was the much-anticipated red-
students and some brave staff.
“All-in-all a fabulous party, a tremendous tribute to everyone’s hard work over the year and a great send-off for our leavers.”
St Andrews’ holistic approach In 2024, St Andrew’s celebrated an
teaching staff. Similarly, our A-level
to education, where academic
outstanding milestone in student
students achieved excellent grades,
excellence goes hand-in-hand
achievement and well-being. Our
paving the way for almost all of
with nurturing confident, resilient,
Foundation Programme recorded
them to secure places at their first-
and well-rounded individuals.
its highest-ever results, showcasing
choice universities - a testament to
the exceptional dedication of our
the high academic standards and
students and the commitment of our
personalised support we provide.
Rochester Independent College Northbank is an innovative
The Institute of Education
space that redefines student accommodation and expands
In addition to incredible results in
RIC’s boarding capacity to 180
the Leaving Certificate, the students
students. The new building has 47
at the Institute of Education, Dublin,
single, en-suite, study bedrooms,
continue to distinguish themselves.
communal spaces, and classrooms
The Institute of Education was
designed to enhance the student
one of the few schools selected to
experience. A standout feature is
represent the Ireland in the Oxford
The Gowers Visual Arts Centre,
and Cambridge schools’ debates,
named after a beloved RIC art
held in the prestigious universities.
teacher, which is dedicated to
Nare Paronyan and Lina Hassan
exploring A-level art subjects.
travelled on consecutive weekends
It’s been a momentous year for
celebratory berry cocktail, and an
The Northbank campus includes
to tackle compelling and complex
Rochester Independent College. In
impressive firework display which
a landscaped well-being garden
topics in the iconic and historic
June, the college celebrated its 40th
topped off the day. Over 600 guests
in the courtyard quadrangle,
halls of the universities. Not only
anniversary and former students,
came to celebrate 40 fantastic
promoting health and wellness.
do we foster powerful speakers
friends and fans of the college were
years of Rochester Independent
invited to celebrate this milestone
College, demonstrating the strength
Northbank marks a significant
Clodagh Creedon came third in The
event at a garden party at the Star
of the RIC community and the
milestone in RIC’s history,
Young Journalist of the Year Awards
Hill site. The afternoon entailed a
high esteem the college is held in.
underscoring the College’s
2024 for her feature piece I Want
dedication to educational
to Live and Die Sober. Over 10,000
variety of showcases, from a RIC
but powerful writers as 5th Year
rock band, the recent cohort’s
During the autumn term, RIC’s
excellence while preserving
students take part in the programme
array of artwork, to the signature
brand-new facility opened.
its historic environment.
ever year which is run by News
Scan to read...
Brands Ireland.
our Academic Highlights 2024
44
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
45
United Lisbon International School
Our Highlights: Europe Portugal
This year, United Lisbon
of Toronto. This milestone, and the
a special place in its history as
International School celebrated its
impressive university destinations,
pioneers of the IB program.
inaugural cohort of IB graduates, an
reflect the hard work and dedication
exceptional class of 47 students who
of both the graduates and the
United Lisbon has also welcomed
have now gone on to prestigious
incredible efforts of the staff and
its new Executive Director, Martin
universities worldwide, including the
faculty. It underscores the passion
Harris, who brings valuable
University of Pennsylvania, Duke
that the school has embodied
experience as an educator
University, Brown University, King’s
since its opening four years ago,
and leader from the UK. He
College London, and the University
with these graduates holding
aims to build upon the school’s excellent work while planning
Colégio Júlio Dinis
exciting developments for the future. Alongside this leadership newly-designed spaces are not only
transition, United Lisbon has
equipped with essential resources
opened a new building for
but also encourage a culture
secondary students and is set to
of engagement, creativity, and
further expand its campus with
collaboration among students.
additional sports fields, classrooms, and a new auditorium. These
Colégio Júlio Dinis is committed
enhancements promise to create
to fostering a vibrant learning
an even more enriching educational
environment that nurtures well-
environment for students, from
rounded individuals. By equipping
Early Years to Grade 12.
students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world, they are prepared for future challenges. CJD remains dedicated to its
Spain
In 2024, Colégio Júlio Dinis
century, the school has embraced
mission of excellence in education,
proudly celebrated its 90th
change, adopted innovative
ensuring that every student
anniversary, making it one of the
learning methods and enhanced
has the opportunity to reach
oldest educational institutions in
its facilities to transform students’
their full potential and make a
the natural world and highlighted the
educational experiences. The
positive impact in society.
importance of conservation.
the city of Porto. Over nearly a
Colegio Inglés English School of Asturias
The trip focuses on the practical skills such as first aid that prepare students for real-life, outdoor
International Sharing School
scenarios, instilling confidence
International Sharing School
featured representatives from
school is proud to have provided
students, and 150 students from
around 25 UK universities, including
such a valuable opportunity for
other international schools across
the Universities of Bath, Warwick,
students and their families.
Lisbon, took part in a university fair
Bristol, Birmingham and St Andrews.
and a sense of responsibility. Back at school, the students presented their business plans to a panel of ‘investors’ illustrating the project’s goal of blending education with
in October. In a series of insightful
practical experience.
workshops and sessions, they
The feedback from the students
covered crucial topics such as
and parents who attended was
how to write a personal statement,
overwhelmingly positive. They
In June, 40 Year 9 students and four
cultivate outdoor leadership skills while
how to choose a degree, tips on
left the event with fresh ideas,
members of staff from The English
challenging students to develop a
creating portfolios, and subject-
valuable insights, and clear
School of Asturias took part in an
business plan for an adventure tourism
specific sessions in different fields
goals for their future academic
exciting expedition to the Asturian
venture. The trip involved navigating
including engineering, business,
and professional journeys. It
mountains as part of the school’s
the hiking route, pitching tents at the
arts, psychology, humanities,
was an enriching experience
‘Asturian Adventures’ project. This
campsite and an evening nature walk,
and computer science. The fair
for everyone involved, and the
year-long initiative is designed to
deepening students’ appreciation for
46
L ooking B ack
“The Asturian Adventures project exemplifies the school’s commitment to experiential learning, equipping students with valuable skills for their future.”
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
47
Colegio Inglés Zaragoza
Engage International School
A significant achievement this
Engage School unveiled its new 4 Cs
re-imagining learning spaces to
year has been the outstanding
educational programme: Curiosity,
meet the needs of young learners
result of the National Association
Creativity, Critical Thinking, and
and support the development of
of British Schools in Spain (NABSS)
Communication. This forward-
21st-century skills. The environment
report, marking the school’s first
thinking initiative incorporates
plays a key role in inspiring pupils
official inspection of the British
active learning methodologies
and nurturing their growth and
Curriculum in Early Years. The
such as project-based learning,
creativity. Walls and floors have
evaluation not only highlights the
computational thinking, public
been redesigned, natural light floods
school’s commitment to maintaining
speaking, and global learning.
in and materials have been carefully
high standards akin to those of
chosen to reflect, and connect with,
prestigious British institutions but
As part of its strategic plan for
nature. Standout features include
also underscores its unique position
infrastructure improvement,
tree-like columns and beautifully-
as the only school in Aragon
Engage International School has
crafted wooden bleachers, creating
implementing this curriculum.
made a significant investment in
a harmonious and inspiring space
transforming its Early Years facilities,
where young learners can thrive.
Elian’s British School of La Nucía
The report praised the exceptional English proficiency of the students, showcasing their confidence and
the highly qualified and experienced
to the hard work and commitment
fluency from a young age. It also
In 2024, the school achieved a
staff, many of whom have been with
of the Early Years team. The positive
noted the enthusiastic engagement
remarkable milestone; they now
the school for many years, ensuring
relationships between staff and
of students in their classes,
host students of no fewer than 41
a consistent level of excellence. The
students were emphasised, with the
attributing this to the teachers’
different nationalities. In percentage
school has secured approval for
report simply stating, “Students are
dedication to fostering a love of
terms, more than 50% of the
four more years without the need
happy to be in school.”
learning. The report commended
student body is now international.
for further inspections, a testament
This incredible diversity is a testament to the strength of the community and the trust families place in the school. Most of new students join the school after
Colegio Internacional de Valladolid
recommendations from friends, at all stages, thanks to its bilingual education. Early Years and Primary
showcasing how families are truly the school’s greatest ambassadors.
follow the British Curriculum System. In the secondary years, the British methodology is combined
International English School of Castellón
with the national curriculum, allowing students to obtain a
them not just academically but also
double qualification at the end of
professionally, equipping them for
the stage: ESO + IGCSE. A bilingual
their next chapter in life. The original
Baccalaureate model, unique in
group was joined by new students
our community, is also provided.
during the secondary years and all of the students successfully
In addition, the school has been
completed their baccalaureate
recognised as a Google Reference
studies, excelling in both
School by Google for Education
A-levels and Spanish Certificate
in recognition of the effort of the
During this academic year the
moment was not only significant for
entire educational community to
school reached a special milestone
them as students but also deeply
list of the Best Schools 2024 of the
facilitate student learning and its
– the proud celebration of the
meaningful for the school to have
To celebrate this incredible journey,
is proud to have been included in
search platform Mi Cole. Vallalodid
work for academic innovation.
graduation of a group of students
seen them through their education
the students walked through the
the prestigious FORBES list of the
is the only school in Castilla y León
who have been at the school since
from Early Years through to Year
school’s main hall, cheered on and
100 best schools in Spain and in the
that offers real immersion in English
they were just one-year-old. This
13. Over these years, we prepared
waved goodbye by the entire school.
Colegio Internacional de Valladolid
48
L ooking B ack
examinations.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
49
Colegio Joyfe
Consilium: American Academy in Prague young people to think creatively
In May, the school hosted an
and collaborate as a team to face
unforgettable production of
the issues related to life in space,
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
such as settlement construction,
by the talented freshmen. Through
sustainability, space engineering
their hard work and dedication,
and resource management.
the students transported their audience to fair Verona, where
The Colegio Joyfe students were
the timeless story of star-crossed
the only Spanish contingent in the
lovers unfolded with passion,
Grand Final of the competition,
tragedy, and romance.
demonstrating the level of excellence and dedication of the students and
The play was the culmination of
their teachers. Taking part in the final
weeks spent studying Romeo and
is the result of the students’ work in
Juliet in the classroom, where
the NASA Project, a subject unique
students delved into the text’s
to Colegio Joyfe, where students
themes, language, and characters.
have to put into practice scientific
They then worked together to
and mathematical knowledge and
adapt the play according to their own perspectives, bringing fresh
For the fourth consecutive year,
Design Competition (ISSDC) in Cape
social and marketing skills. All of
Colegio Joyfe students took part
Canaveral, Florida. The competition
this takes place in an atmosphere
interpretations and personal
appreciation for Shakespeare’s work
students brought to the stage. It
in the final of the international
is for students to design projects on
of collaboration and teamwork,
insights to the classic story. This
The performance was more than just
was a true testament to their love
competition for high school students
the colonisation and development
where the role of each person is
creative process allowed them to
a display of creativity; it showcased
for the arts and their desire to
of space settlements. It challenges
essential to achieve a common goal.
explore the play’s relevance to their
the perseverance, teamwork, and
bring a classic to life in a way that
own lives while developing a deeper
commitment to excellence that our
resonates with audiences today.
International Space Settlement
Consilium: American Academy in Zagreb
Rest of Europe
cuisines that tantalised taste buds to captivating traditions that educated and entertained, the
Consilium: American Academy in Brno
day was a true celebration of our
The inaugural Student Film Festival
by the students was impressive,
express themselves, think critically,
was held in June, showcasing the
from light-hearted comedies to
and collaborate in new ways.
creativity and collaboration of the
thought-provoking dramas, with
American Academy in Brno students.
beloved teacher cameos adding
Throughout the week-long project,
an extra layer of fun. Following the
students were challenged to write,
screenings, students participated
direct, and star in their own short
in an awards ceremony, where
films. This hands-on experience
they voted in categories including
allowed them to explore storytelling,
Best Director, Best Soundtrack
teamwork, and technical filmmaking
and Best Actor, adding an exciting
skills, all while enhancing their
element of peer recognition,
confidence and creativity.
fostering a sense of community and support among the students.
The festival concluded with a grand
This project not only developed
event—a red carpet welcome and
practical skills in film production
cinema-style screening of all the
but also encouraged students to
films. The range of topics explored
50
L ooking B ack
international community. The American Academy in Zagreb takes immense pride in the supportive environment that has been cultivated, where every member, from students to faculty, plays a crucial role. A special thanks goes to the incredible The American Academy in Zagreb
showcase of global cultures
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA),
uses every day as an opportunity
and community spirit. The event
whose collaboration and dedication
to celebrate the rich tapestry of
was a colourful display of the
were instrumental in bringing this
diversity that makes the school
various backgrounds represented
event to life. The community looks
community unique. This year
at our school, with students
forward to many more events in the
marked a significant milestone as
enthusiastically sharing their
future that honour the diversity,
the school hosted its inaugural
heritage from over 20 different
foster connections, and enrich the
International Day, a vibrant
countries. From mouth-watering
educational experience.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
51
Consilium: Bambíno Nurseries
Consilium: Beehive
Consilium: Square
International School of Athens
Diversity and multicultural
The International School of Athens
communication and collaboration
educational experiences are
(ISA), a longtime member of
skills, and an enduring appreciation
celebrated at Beehive. Students
UNESCO’s Associated Schools
for cultural differences.
enjoy learning about and celebrating
Network, has fostered a twinning
different holidays throughout the
programme with the Sukaina bint
year with the help of our diverse
Alhusain Girls School in Oman.
teaching staff and family community.
Supported by the Greek Ministry of
In the autumn, students learn about
Education, Grade 9 and 10 students
Diwali, Dušičky (a Czech day of
collaborated throughout the school
remembrance and celebration
Every year, ZŠ Square, is filled with
year on creative, educational
of those who have passed),
kindness and a spirit of giving.
activities designed to promote
Thanksgiving, and Halloween.
This year, students raised funds
the exchange of cultural heritage.
Bambíno Nurseries and
These trips are more than just an
at a Christmas market where they
Through this initiative, students
Kindergartens in Prague had many
opportunity to experience life in
The Halloween party is always
sold handmade crafts. The school
deepened their understanding of
highlights during the last school
the countryside - each adventure is
eagerly anticipated. Students
council then decided where the
cultural diversity, strengthened their
year, but none more special than
themed around a special subject.
and their families enjoy using
collected money would go. As
sense of international-mindedness,
their exciting ‘School in Nature’
The last two were magical woodland
their creativity to assemble
the students enjoy the relaxation
and formed meaningful cross-
trips. Twice a year, in both autumn
creatures and a beloved children’s
unique costumes for the costume
that comes with practising yoga,
cultural bonds. The programme has
and spring, children as young
book character. The children are
competition, which students take very
they wanted to share these
enriched participants with broader
as four embark on a delightful
given tasks connected with these
seriously. Spooky games, chilling
precious moments with children
global perspectives, improved
three-day adventure, living and
themes, working together toward a
music, and laughter fill the garden
undergoing treatment for cancer.
learning on a real working farm in
final goal, which is always rewarded
and warm up the chilly October night.
They contributed 35,000 CZK
the beautiful Moravian region of
in recognition of their hard work. The
to Malá Jóga, an organisation
Czechia. Being away from home,
children have fun while embracing
which supports specially trained
some for the first time, didn’t
teamwork and gaining hands-on
instructors to visit sick children
daunt the young explorers, who
experiences that make these trips
in their homes. The chairwoman
eagerly immersed themselves in
unforgettable. These adventures
of this project, who collaborates
farm life, learning about sheep,
are a treasured part of the Bambíno
with the Rehabilitation Clinic
cows, rabbits, and hens, as well
experience, fostering curiosity and
and the Hematology-Oncology
as discovering how all those busy
joy while introducing children to
Clinic of Motol University
little bees make their honey.
the beauty of the natural world.
Hospital, also visited the school to personally thank students for making this possible.
Consilium: Pražské humanitní gymnasium
Verita As part of the Verita 2.0 strategic
switching to GL Assessment,
plan for this year, six areas of
introducing workbooks and
growth have been identified:
Century Platform, transitioning
Teaching and Learning, Student
from 2 semesters to 3 terms and
Learning and Well-being,
having 3 term report cards and 2
Curriculum and Assessment,
progress report cards for parents
Community and Home Partnership,
and adding academic workshops
Premises and Facilities, Finance
for Math, English and Science after
and Resources. Changes that
school. In addition, uniform has
have been implemented include
been introduced for the first time in Verita and parents have been
dětí a mládeže (Czech Council of
Along with this flowerbed, an
invited to workshops about social
Children and Youth) which later
information banner about herbs,
and emotional learning in school.
sponsored the idea. The focus was
well-being, and their relationship
on the connection between mental
was created and the project has
Verita joined the Dukes family
health and well-being with the
an Instagram profile that is active
of schools during its 10th year
goal of educating as many people
and growing. The group posts
anniversary and an event was in
as possible through something
updates about the project, as well
November for parents, students
familiar to many people – plants
as information about herbs, well-
and staff to celebrate the
and herbs. Students discovered that
being, and helpful tips for improving
new partnership and the 10th
there is a long and deep connection
mental health. There are plans to
anniversary. Kindness remains
The school’s project on mental
between mental health and plants
expand the project by installing
at the heart of everything at
health started in January 2024.
and so it was decided to create a
another flowerbed in the school
Verita and the school was proud
Pražské humanitní gymnasium was
raised flowerbed to grow herbs that
garden to educate the students at
that the celebration event also
offered the opportunity to work on
improve and support mental health
our school.
raised funds for an education
the topic by the organisation Rada
and well-being.
52
L ooking B ack
charity project in Romania.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
53
STUDENT SHOWCASE Yichen Zhao, Institute of Education
Frank Maher Classical Music Award Ai Lin Sun, Institute of Education, won the Frank Maher Classical Music award with tourde-force performances
Sourena Soroya, Rochester
of Beethoven and
Independent College
Rachmaninoff.
Kimmy Yan, Rochester Independent College
Maddie Whittaker, Hampstead Fine Arts College
Summer exhibition, Hampstead Fine Arts College
Amelija Morkunaite, Rochester Independent College
Paria Khademi Kalantari, Hampstead Fine Arts College
54
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
55
Big Folkstone Sleep-out Earlscliffe Interact Club President,
Folkestone Sleep-out raising
Jayden and other Earlscliffe
over £7,500 for projects in the
students took part in the Big
local community. Zihan He, Institute of Education, is a finalist in The National Gallery of Ireland’s AIB Portrait Prize exhibition
Press Pass Award Clodagh Creedon, Institute of Education, won the Press Pass Award, NewBrands Ireland’s
George Moore, Rochester
Carla Mularkey, Institute
Independent College
of Education
Transition Year program Features Writing category with her story I Want to Live and Die Sober.
Exceptional Results Cathy Lou, Cardiff Sixth Form College, achieved an astonishing 7 A*s in her A-levels including a phenomenal EPQ submission on the deleterious impacts of sleep deprivation. Cathy was offered a full scholarship to the University of Hong King to read Medicine.
Kanat Saulebayev, Rochester Independent College
I am really happy with my results. It’s not about working hard, it’s about enjoying your lessons and I had really supportive teachers.
COP29 grapple with some of the most
Politics students from
pressing global environmental
Nathan Baker, Sancton Wood
Earlscliffe joined forces with
challenges. Tony Vaughan,
School, submitted his project on
students from local Harvey
Labour MP for Folkestone &
Hydroponics to TED-X and has
Grammar School to take
Hythe officially opened the
produced a vertical hydroponics
part in an immersive COP29
day with an insightful speech.
planting station in school to
simulation enabling them to
56
L ooking B ack
Growing Green
A-Level Geography and
grow a variety of herbs.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
57
DUKES ALUMNI
Notting Hill Prep
Mentoring at CSFC Cambridge
NHP supports two Alumni events each year, a 16th and 18th birthday, led by class reps and supported by the school. Former student Emmanuelle (NHP Bursary Award 2013-2015) went on to attend Rugby School and the University of Bristol and now works in Culture Marketing at Red Bull.
Dukes Connects Cardiff Sixth Form College alumni,
third year, fosters academic and
2024 saw the launch of the Dukes
now studying at prestigious
personal growth. This year has been
Connects alumni platform. Five
institutions including Cambridge
extra special as it is the first year
colleges are using the system, and
University and top London
that students who studied at CSFC
Rochester Independent College
universities, are actively giving back
Cambridge have come back to
and Hampstead Fine Arts College
to their alma mater. The thriving
mentor the current students –
plan to go live in 2025. We are
mentorship programme, now in its
a very special full-circle moment.
excited to be engaging with our alumni from across Dukes, building strong foundations for this network. Over time, the alumni association will become a platform for the exchange of ideas, creation
Where are they now?
of opportunities, mentoring and
Vasilisa Korganova
connecting with like-minded people who share a background in
Vasilisa joined Rochester
academic excellence.
Independent College from Moscow Central Arts School. Vasilisa produced a range of digital products through experimenting
Earlscliffe Alumni Week
with new ideas and developing her existing creative strengths. Vasilisa
Following the hugely successful
is now a prize-winning animator
alumni event held in October 2023,
who is currently exploring the fusion
Earlscliffe wanted to maintain
of traditional ink drawings with the
regular contact with the members
digital format of webcomics.
of their community who have now moved onto university and careers. In Alumni Week in May, the Earlscliffe team invited former students to an informal catch-up
Iulia and Irina Lambrino
in St Pancras, London. Not only did London-based alumni attend, but students travelled from across the country to spend time reminiscing and enjoying each other’s company. Boys’ Alumni football match at the
was challenged by ex-students from
The highlight of the week was an
Folkestone Football Stadium. The
the previous 11 years. The final score
Earlscliffe students versus ‘Old
current Earlscliffe football squad
was 7-5 to the current students.
58
L ooking B ack
Iulia and Irina Lambrino, both
International Relations and Politics.
former students at Earlscliffe, are
Former Earlscliffe Head Girl, Irina,
closely involved in the Rotoract
was made a Rotoract member at a
Club. Iulia is the current President of
recent club meeting and is now at
the Westminster International club
Goldsmiths, University of London
and is in her final year at Queen
studying a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Mary University of London studying
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
59
Where are they now? Myles Ng Myles Ng attended Cardiff Sixth Form College from 2019-2021, where he studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and completed an EPQ on
Eve McMahon
Lily Cooke
cybersecurity. Myles recently completed the undergraduate
Former student from the Institute
exceptional talent and dedication
Lily, a former student at the
Mathematics Tripos at the
of Education, Eve McMahon,
to the sport. As a rising star
Institute of Education, made history
University of Cambridge, and is
proudly represented Ireland in
in competitive sailing, Eve’s
at Gangwon 2024 as Ireland’s first
now working towards a Master’s
Sailing at the 2024 Summer
remarkable journey exemplifies
athlete to compete in luge at the
degree in Astrophysics there.
Olympics, showcasing her
hard work, perseverance.
Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Ilva Gjuzi
Sara Byrne
A former student at St Andrew’s
In September, former Bruce College
College, Ilva now works in the Office
student and now professional
of the Albanian Prime Minister.
golfer, Sara Byrne, was the star of
After gaining outstanding A-level
the GB & IRL win in the Curtis Cup.
results, she studied Architecture at Cambridge University before returning to Albania and leading projects at the forefront of Albania’s development initiatives.
Gus Atkinson Former pupil at Broomwood Prep Boys (formerly Northcote Lodge), Gus
Kit Moore
Atkinson made his record-breaking
Radnor House student Kit Moore’s
University of Surrey. Recently,
interest in animals has come full
he returned to the shelter as
circle. As a student, he discovered
a qualified vet to perform an
his passion for veterinary medicine
operation himself, mirroring the
during a 2018 Make a Difference
moment that first sparked his
Day at school, when he joined
ambition. Kit hopes that other
a group of peers on a visit to
students will find similar inspiration
the Mayhew Animal Shelter
through hands-on learning,
and witnessed an operation.
demonstrating how a single day
This experience inspired him to
can be the beginning of a life-
study Veterinary Medicine at the
changing journey.
60
L ooking B ack
cricket debut for England this summer.
Louise Shanahan
Bruno Hawkins
Louise Shanahan, a former Bruce
Bruno Hawkins, former student at
at the IDEAL conference in April
College student and Olympian,
Hampton Court House School, is
2024. His abstract has been
successfully defended her national
studying Medical Engineering at
accepted for publication by the
senior 800m indoor title, showcasing
UCL. Bruno presented his work on
BMJ interventional, and health
her determination and continuing
the integration of computer vision
technologies section.
her impressive track and field legacy.
on endoscopic spinal surgery
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
61
Little Dukes continues
The Little Dukes brand has been consolidated across the
to provide high-quality,
shared among the brands and individual settings. The
innovative, industryleading childcare and had over 1,600 children in our care in 2024.
settings and best practice and learning continues to be consistent policies in place across the groups provide a common approach to care, ensuring that children receive high-quality early education with highly qualified educators. The common systems, Salesforce, Famly and bob that cover admissions, communication with parents and carers, and staff communications ensure that families and staff receive a high-quality experience when joining or on-boarding at a Little Dukes nursery. The nursery admissions team works across the group and provides a swift and responsive service for potential new joiners.
Our People Despite the nationwide recruitment crisis in Early
Hazels, the week was highly successful and was followed
Years, we have welcomed over 260 new members of
by a weekend course in the grounds of Kneller Hall.
staff to Little Dukes settings in 2024. We have worked hard to establish and deliver the Little Dukes training
Participants’ feedback was incredibly positive:
modules this year and nearly 40 courses have been delivered in-house and over 500 participants from the
“I really appreciate the opportunity to have been on such
Nursery and School Early Years teams have attended.
an amazing course. I learnt a great deal and am now keen
Feedback on the modules has been hugely positive with
to continue my learning, put it into practice and watch the
participants feeling that the training was engaging,
children thrive in our forest school sessions.”
tailored and relevant to their own unique settings. The second Little Dukes Leaders’ Development Day took place in May. Over 50 Early Years Headteachers and curriculum leads attended the event which was
“I really enjoyed the learning experience in the open environment and very excited to start this practice in my setting.” “The course was well structured and engaging. The
themed around building a truly engaging and inspiring
practitioners supported me through the whole training
curriculum. Experts from across the industry shared
while practising and gaining strong practical and
their vision for pedagogical and focused learning areas
professional skills.”
(from Montessori and Reggia, through storytelling and STEM). It really was an inspiring day and participants left with some great ideas to reinvigorate their curriculum.
62
L ooking B ack
The inaugural Little Dukes Forest School qualification
Scan to watch...
took place for educators from across Dukes nurseries
the Little Dukes Leader’s
and schools. Facilitated by external trainers Under the
Development Day film
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
63
Little Learners Little Dukes Little Learners, our Early Years introduction to
are based not only on what children can do but also why
the Dukes Young Leaders Award, has been established in
they are doing it. This discovery of ‘why’ in each statement
all settings. This year, we worked closely with the team at
is effective when equipping children with skills for life
Famly to incorporate Little Dukes Little Learners into our
which then enable them to be successful and confident
nursery management app making it easier to link the Little
when they move on to school.
Learners’ dispositions with the daily learning experiences, creating a family and team-friendly approach. With
Naz Usman, Principal of Hopes and Dreams who has been
support from Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally
leading on the project said,
Cornelius, this year we incorporated sustainability actions into each of our dispositions Feedback from parents has been very positive.
“The Little Dukes Little Learners curriculum and programme allows the children in our nurseries to progress through different stages (Starting My Journey, Building My Skills, Celebrating My Success) to celebrate their
“As parents receiving the Little Dukes Little Learners
success by building upon their existing skills as well as
report and seeing our 3-year-old helping other friends
learning new skills. The children are set objectives in
to zip their coats and helping them with gloves and hats
areas such as Humility, Courage, Happiness, Honour,
was so emotional, the best thing we received so far. This
Compassion and Curiosity, demonstrating service to
is definitely worth celebrating as it’s promoting humility,
others and their communities.
compassion and humanity. Thank you”. Children are encouraged to achieve certain skills in Staff have responded very positively to this shared
developing self-awareness and practical skills which
curriculum element saying it feels “real and meaningful”.
nurture their personal interests and talents.”
Each disposition is unique and carries statements which
New Locations
Dukes Village
Riverside Richmond opened its doors in February 2024
The team at Miss Daisy’s has been building the Dukes
bringing a warm and welcoming Montessori nursery
Village concept with children from two Miss Daisy’s
school to the area. Its beautiful, serene design, sensitively
nurseries visiting their local Dukes school, Eaton Square
in keeping with the 114-year-old listed building has been
Prep, and enjoying a trial day at ‘big school. The children
a hit with parents and children alike, so much so that a
cooked, took part in an amazing science experiment
third classroom and additional garden space has been
wearing full lab coats and enjoyed the wonders of the
developed and opened for January 2025.
STEAM room.
Work has continued to develop the new Pippa Pop-ins
The team were delighted with the start to this academic
site in Holland Park. Set to open in September 2025, the
year and have implemented vertical learning across all of
waiting list is already filling up and the team are excited to
Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools. Children are now in mixed-
get into their new home and start teaching
aged groups between two and four years old for part of the day, which has helped to build confidence for the
The Hopes and Dreams team are preparing for the
younger ones, and a sense of responsibility with the older
relocation of the Old Street nursery to The Lyceum School.
children in the same way that an older sibling would have.
The move will enable Hopes and Dreams to build on the
As a result, the children have settled well and the change
strengths of our all-through model from nursery to prep
is showing a positive effect on their readiness for school.
school. There has been huge demand for the new space and plenty of families confirmed to start in the new year.
High-Quality Food New Appointment
We continued to have a strong focus on providing nutritious and interesting menus for the children to enjoy.
Natalie Atkins was promoted to Principal of The
Emphasis is put on inspiring children to enjoy new food
Kindergartens Nursery Schools after more than a decade
and to learn about what they eat and where it comes
of experience in the group. Natalie has overseen two of
from. Our Little Dukes’ chefs attended a summer course
the nursery schools moving from term time to a year-
though the London Early Years Foundation focusing on
round model that better suits the families in the local
nutrition and innovation in Early Years mealtimes.
areas and is an exciting next step in the 30-year history of The Kindergartens. Crescent II and Mouse House SW18 nurseries continue to see waiting lists until 2026 with great word of mouth recommendations in the local communities.
64
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
65
We are here,
Integrated into Dukes Schools & Colleges
so you can get there.
Dukes Plus has become a central feature in the offering to many of our own schools and
nationalities to summer residential programmes,
colleges over the last year. Examples include:
run out of several of our colleges.
Dukes Plus is a family of specialised consultancy services
schools, over 5 million users and has over 100 corporate
— Dukes Career School: Around 1,000 students from
and educational experience providers with the vision:
partners. 2024 has been a year of exciting developments
across Dukes completed this unique 21st-century
To empower young people to live a happy and
and excellent growth for Dukes Plus. More students have
skills focused programme, which culminated in
successful life. Made up of consultancy and experience
been reached and positively impacted than ever before.
assessment centres where students were challenged
provider organisations, Dukes Plus reaches over 1,500
— Summer Boarding Courses, welcoming 50+
and assessed across multiple key disciplines.
— 11+ tuition support for our prep schools. — GCSE and A-level support for senior schools and colleges — University expert courses, on the key aptitude tests required for Oxbridge, Medicine and the US, for our schools and colleges.
Consultancy
Experience Providers
A-List
InvestIN
US University specialist. Providing specialist
World class immersive experiences in London. The
support to international students since 2005.
first UCAS accredited summer school. 15 industries,
The Medic Portal
50,000+ students attended. Aged 15-18 years.
The ‘Get into Medicine’ experts with millions of users.
Summer Boarding Courses
Trusted by over 50% of the Top 100 UK Schools.
The UK’s number one multi-campus summer
The Lawyer Portal Get into Law. Award-winning resources. In official partnership with the Law Society of England and Wales. Dukes Tutoring Bespoke private tutoring from 5+. Hand-picked tutors and proven results. 97.4% 11+ success rate.
school at premier locations including Eton College, Oxford and Cambridge for students aged 6-17 years. 150+ nationalities attended. Ultimate Activity Camps Outstanding activity holiday childcare at renowned independent schools for children aged 4-14 years. Used by 17,000+ children each year.
Oxbridge Applications Established in 1999, the unequivocal leader in
66
L ooking B ack
CONSULTANCY
EXPERIENCE PROVIDERS
Oxbridge admissions. 20% of all applicants use OA.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
67
Consultancy
Dukesplus.com
Dukes Tutoring, formerly known as JK Educate,
projects. The team led 11+ and 13+ talks and individual
has continued to successfully provide individual,
mock interviews, supported groups with entrance
The platform, launched in 2023, provides clients with a one-
personalised tuition to students in EYFS, KS1, KS2,
exam preparation, as well as providing specialist
stop-shop, high-quality, premium suite of education services,
KS3, GCSE, A-level and IB, as well as those seeking
teaching in a range of subjects from Latin, computer
focused on the education journey outside the classroom for
entrance exam support. Client feedback has shown
science, business studies, sociology and maths.
children and young people from 4-18 years.
that additional services such as individual assessments,
The site houses unique e-learning pathways - for example,
mock exams, workshops and interview preparation
In 2025, Dukes Tutoring is looking forward to
have been extremely beneficial and well received.
continuing working in partnership with Dukes
aspiring medical students can work their way through a series of online modules building the key learnings needed
Scan to visit...
from start to finish on their application journey.
the new Dukes Plus platform
schools and providing expert support to help This year, Dukes Tutoring is proud to have worked with
all students to achieve their potential.
several Dukes schools, providing bespoke tailor-made
— Students successfully sat for 4+, 7+ 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ entrance exams — Global reach increased to include families in China, India, Canada, USA, Thailand and Europe as well as the UK — Outstanding progress was made by 30 GCSE students who began tutoring with grades of 5 and 6 and achieved a grade 7, 8 or 9 in their final exams
14,000+ hours
98%
of 11+ students were offered places at one or more of their
of tuition to
chosen independent schools
500+
students
Trust Pilot rating
with home-schooling, using their subject
of GCSE and A-level
100%
12
knowledge and mentoring skills to integrate
students who received
who began tutoring
the student successfully back into school
tutoring support achieved
with grades C and
or exceeded their predicted
B achieved a grade
grades in 2023 - 2024
A or A* at A-level
— Hand-picked tutors supported a Year 9 student
What our clients say:
A-level students
JK provides an incredible bespoke service for all things 11+…the service has been exceptional.”
68
International expansion
Integrated consultancy
Moving forward, our vision of creating unique
The three Higher Education consultancies (A-List,
educational opportunities for children aged 4-18
Oxbridge Applications, The Careers Portal) have
years old will increasingly be taken out to the
been integrated behind the scenes to create a more
international arena. This can be reflected through
resilient operation driven by premium product,
our brands successfully establishing enhanced
customer retention, lead generation and world-class
I highly recommend JK Educate to any parent
connections with well over 500 international
conversion. The Consultancy division will also be
seeking exceptional support for their child’s
educational consultants and schools.
joined by Dukes Tutoring.
academic development.”
L ooking B ack
We entrusted JK with our child’s GCSE preparation for two years, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. We’ve just received the GCSE results, and our child has truly excelled.”
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
69
Students who used support programmes from Oxbridge
A-List Education, which supports student’s applications to
Applications for the most recent application cycle had
the top universities in the US, has had a transformational
triple the offer rate of average applicants for their course.
year. Its new website has more than doubled visits compared to 2023, and e-commerce now allows for
Schools also saw the impact of using Oxbridge
direct website purchases. Product innovation has led
Applications: University College School in Hampstead had
to the creation of new products including one-day
its third-best year ever for Oxbridge acceptances following
courses, essay masterclasses and interview workshops.
a year of support, and Tonbridge and Wellington had exceptional years, with 24 and 22 offers respectively.
Acceptance rates continue to be industry-leading, with
New school clients included Claremont FC, Royal Russell,
around 70% of clients receiving offers for their first-choice
North London Collegiate and the Mulberry Academy Trust.
university. In total, A-List had nearly 300 acceptances, with all eight Ivy Leagues represented, including half
Feedback for OA from customers continues to be
of MIT’s UK student offers and a third of Stanford’s.
exceptional; the residential interview prep weekend in November was a particular success in terms of positive
The majority of A-List students improve their
feedback from parents and applicants.
SAT scores by 200 points or more, versus competitor average of 55 points:
+300
The Lawyer Portal helps aspiring lawyers achieve
The Medic Portal is the most recognised resource for
their ambitions. An award-winning platform,
supporting applicants to study medicine. It has taught over
its partners include law firms Clifford Chance,
50,000 students and worked with over 100 schools this
Milbank and RPC, as well as The University of Law
year, including Eton, City of London and Haberdashers’.
and The Law Society of England & Wales.
The Medic Portal’s recommend rate is over 90%. Leading medical schools continue to work with The Medic Portal to source applicants for their courses
+200
from our audience: among them the universities of Swansea, Buckingham and Worcester. In 2024 The Medic Portal became the first Dukes Plus brand to embed an AI-powered chatbot into its website. The bot is designed to provide customer support and guide on product suitability; adoption by customers
+55 US national average
has been positive and usage continues to grow. A-List average
A-List top 25% Scan to try... the Medic Portal chatbot
70
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
71
Experience Providers
In 2024, InvestIN delivered transformative summer experiences to nearly 2,400 students from over 80 countries, supported by 240 industry professionals across more than 80 venues in London. This marked another successful year, with participant feedback averaging 8.5/10 and 100% of students in the final wave of programmes stating they would recommend InvestIN to a friend. This year, InvestIN expanded its global footprint through an international roadshow, visiting around 30 countries and holding close to 750 meetings with schools worldwide. These efforts significantly increased international student participation and strengthened global partnerships. A landmark achievement for 2024 was InvestIN’s accreditation, enabling students to gain a Level 3 Award in Work Experience, equivalent to eight UCAS points. This made InvestIN the world’s first summer school where students could earn UCAS points for work experience and receive a formal qualification. InvestIN also continued to develop the Dukes
This year, Ultimate Activity Camps implemented innovation and expansion across its programmes, with the successful trial of a new four-day Performance Academy, a bespoke programme at the prestigious Dragon School, Oxford, and our technology-based programme expanded to seven new locations, with the addition of our innovative online game-building workshops for children aged 8-14 years. Collaboration with Summer Boarding Courses has been strengthened to provide a wider range of day camp experiences for visiting international students. Amid this expansion, Ultimate Activity Camps proudly completed 18 Ofsted inspections, all of which met the required standards - an achievement unmatched by any other school holiday camp provider. In addition to this, UAC has been working hard to raise funds for Helen & Douglas House Children’s Hospice with a charity staff skydive, sponsored art activities, clothing donations, bake sales and parent contributions. Their new all-electric van is helping slice emissions along with a new 100% green-energy tariff, which is contributing to their target of becoming a net-zero company.
Careers School, providing a comprehensive careers curriculum for students in Years 10–12. This programme equipped students with essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for their future careers. Looking Ahead InvestIN will build on the achievements of 2024 by continuing its focus on international growth, enhancing student experiences, and further expanding the Dukes Careers School to provide exceptional careerfocused opportunities for students worldwide.
2024 has been an extraordinary year for SBC, as
Exceptional staff and delivery
they continue to set the benchmark for excellence in
To deliver world-class programmes, over 300 temporary
summer education.
staff members were recruited and trained over the summer, who delivered inspiring programmes to students.
Global reach
Over 100 returning staff members were welcomed back,
This year SBC welcomed over 2,500 students to
reflecting the strong connections and dedication within
programmes from an impressive 105+ countries
the SBC team.
worldwide. It was particularly exciting to include the first students from East Timor, Afghanistan, and Sudan,
Excursions
further enhancing the diverse and vibrant international
This year, SBC organised over 150 excursions to some of
community and taking SBC to 155 nationalities
the UK’s most popular destinations, including London,
represented to date.
Oxford, Thorpe Park, and Legoland, providing students with unforgettable cultural and recreational experiences,
Empowering futures through scholarships
enriching their time.
SBC supported 43 talented students with fully-funded or partial scholarships, enabling them to participate in SBC’s world-class courses. This initiative reflects the unwavering commitment to making outstanding education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Seven years at the top For the seventh consecutive year, EL Gazette has honoured SBC as the UK’s number-one multi-campus summer school. This recognition underscores our
Looking ahead to 2025, UAC are excited to introduce their multi-activity and survival-based camps at six new independent schools (including some Dukes schools), plus a further rollout of the performance and technology-based camps. UAC is also looking forward to trialling a new Ultimate Cookery programme during the summer of 2025.
continued dedication to providing an unparalleled educational experience. Pioneering new programmes Building on the strong partnership with the Dragon School in Oxford, SBC successfully launched an exciting new programme for young learners aged 8-12 years.
614
£8,000+ raised for charity
as maths, history, science, English, and art. It received
86,177
16,392
outstanding feedback from students and parents,
summer staff members
child days provided
bookings made
This programme emphasises English learning through interactive, hands-on activities in core subjects such
showcasing the demand for innovative, engaging educational experiences.
46
locations used
72
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
73
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 95
nationalities across the Dukes family
with students coming from all over the world
international students in our colleges
Jonathan Cuff Managing Director, Colleges
106
new international day students
Jenny Seed
Janine Funsch
Scott Giles Group Sales & Marketing Director
Russian-speaking markets & Eastern Europe
UK-based
Henrietta Lightwood
There are
849
Team structure for international student recruitment
Andrew Wood
Natalia Volchugova
Ireland
Switzerland
Asia & Europe
David Ball
Hannah Leggett
Vickie Li
Svetlana Osipova
China & SE Asia
Florence Chow
Tony Blignaut Jasmine Nie
MENAT West Africa
LATAM
Eden Zhang
Yasmin Lestari
Zack Abdulhamid
CSFC CARDIFF
ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE
90.6%
31%
A*-A grades
A*-A grades, pass
A*-A
EARLSCLIFFE
Top UK Universities Students gained places at top UK universities
including King’s College, London, UCL and the Universities of Exeter, Newcastle, and Reading
Summer courses recruitment SBC
InvestIN
rate 93%. Students gained places at top universities including
CSFC CAMBRIDGE
Six students gained at
Universities of Bath,
least five A*grades and one
Bristol, Edinburgh
achieved six A*s
and LSE
92%
of students earned places at Russell Group Universities
HAMPSTEAD FINE ARTS COLLEGE
Record numbers
Sharon Ehimwenma
Matthew McLarty
of students accepted at top art schools including the Slade, Central St Martins, and Chelsea
42%
ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT COLLEGE
Gianluca Polidori
Callum Wiltshire
Musab Angudi
Richard Lawless
Shu Han Chang
Willow Herold
57%
International Agents
A*-B grades. Students
Two special events were held in June at the new Dukes
gained places at
House. We welcomed UK education consultants, and
top UK universities
international consultants representing international families,
at the G5 Universities of
including Universities of
to visit our new home and meet senior leaders. The guests
Oxford, Cambridge, LSE,
Manchester and York
heard short talks from Heads and Principals about their
Imperial College and UCL
schools and the Dukes Plus team about the education services they provide.
74
L ooking B ack
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
75
NEW ADDITIONS
12
The Dukes family continued to grow in 2024. The Dukes family grew in 2024 with new settings joining from Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, and the UK.
new family members in 2024
Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools
Czechia and Croatia
International School of Athens
Athens, Greece
Verita
Colégio Luso Internacional de Braga
Bruce College Cork, Ireland
Pippa Pop-ins, a group of four
One of the best-known schools in
Founded in 2012, Consilium is an
The International School of Athens
Founded in 1982, Verita serves
Established in 1999, Colégio Luso
London nursery schools, joined
the Munster region, Bruce College is
education group operating seven
(ISA) joined the Dukes family in June.
600 children from Kindergarten
Internacional de Braga (CLIB) now
the Dukes family in January.
a co-educational school founded in
schools and services across Czechia
ISA serves 700 students and is the
to grade 12 in three locations in
serves over 370 students aged 3
Established in 1992, it provides
1990. The college joined the Dukes
and Croatia, with 250 staff serving
only international school in Greece
Bucharest. The school focuses on
to 18, providing a balanced, high-
a values-based approach and
family in February and provides
over 1,500 students. Its portfolio
to be an IB Continuum World School
inquiry, emotional intelligence,
quality education for the Portuguese
a nurturing yet academically
senior cycle tuition and exam
includes three American Academies, a
offering the three IB programmes,
and self-mastery—values that align
and international community. CLIB
challenging environment. The
preparation courses in 26 Leaving
local curriculum school, three bilingual
covering Kindergarten to grade 12.
closely with Dukes. Verita fosters
nurtures curiosity, fosters academic
partnership ensures continuity of
Certificate subjects to over 270 full-
nursery/junior schools, an educational
ISA is known for its sense of family
a joyful learning culture that
excellence, and builds a community
the top-level care and education
time students and many thousands
consultancy. Consilium joined the
and is the school is dedicated to
celebrates hard work and inspires
grounded in respect, service, and
Pippa Pop-ins is renowned for.
of part time students annually.
Dukes family in March.
fostering a love of learning, self-
extraordinary outcomes.
intercultural understanding.
Fulham, London
Consilium
Bucharest, Romania
Braga, Portugal
discipline and self-knowledge.
76
L ooking B ack
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
77
Thank you to all those who made the Dukes Conference such a special day.
Scan to watch... highlights of the Dukes Conference
78
L ooking B ack
I N N O VAT I O N & A D V E N T U R E
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
79
The Dukes Annual
Award Four Well-being Initiative Adam Anstey BROOMFIELD HOUSE SCHOOL
Award Five Marketing Initiative of the Year Georgie Maughan & Penny Dash
Award Six Customer Experience Lauren Huntley CENTRAL HR SUPPORT
EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA
2025
Award Seven
Award Eight
Sustainability
Staff Member of the Year Little Dukes
Iona Jennings & Lucy Garrard
Lauren Knight
EATON SQUARE PREP SCHOOL
RIVERSIDE & REFLECTIONS NURSERY SCHOOLS
Award Ten Staff Member of the Year Colleges Ellen Crozier ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT COLLEGE
Award Thirteen Yvonne O’Toole, Head Prefect
Rachel Watson, Overall Setting of the Year
Service Above and Beyond Mike Stanley THE LYCEUM
Award One
Award Two
Innovative Educational Practices
Pastoral Care
Ambreen Baig & Jamie Whiteside
DEVONSHIRE HOUSE
HYBRID SCHOOL LPS MAYFAIR
PREP SCHOOL
Ruby Hughes
Award Three Charitable/Community Alex Cooper RADNOR HOUSE TWICKENHAM Camp Dragon SBC
Award Fifteen Overall Setting of the Year Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools
Award Eleven Staff Member of the Year Dukes Plus Luke Hayward ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS
Award Nine Staff Member of the Year Schools Nicolas Laridan THE POINTER SCHOOL
Award Twelve New Staff Member George Barry SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL
Award Fourteen Sustained Excellence Cardiff Sixth Form College
Award Sixteen Head Prefect
Lauren Huntley, Customer Experience
Yvonne O’Toole
Scan to see...
THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
photos of our incredible 2025 award winners
80
L ooking B ack
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
81
Dukes External Awards Schools BROOMFIELD HOUSE
HEATHSIDE SCHOOL HAMPSTEAD
NOTTING HILL PREP
Colleges
Little Dukes
CARDIFF SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
MISS DAISY’S NURSERY SCHOOLS
— FINALIST, Tatler Schools Awards, Best Prep School — Re-accredited, Advanced Thinking School and remains the only one in the Primary category ORCHARD HOUSE
— Listed in Spear’s Top 15 UK Prep
— WINNER, British Council
Schools, Spear’s Schools Index — Listed in 100 leading private schools globally
of the Year — WINNER, ISA National Debate
PROSPECT HOUSE — WINNER, inclusive SEN
BROOMWOOD
— WINNER, ISA Boarding School
International School Award
provision, Education Choices Magazine Awards KNIGHTSBRIDGE SCHOOL
— HIGHLY COMMENDED,
— Independent Schools of the
Competition – KS4–5 Category — WINNER, ISA National Art
Passionate about Sport,
Year Awards – Independent School
Muddy Stilettos
of the Year for International
Competition – KS5 Drawing
Student Experience
Category
— WINNER, Best All Rounder, Education Choices Magazine Awards
RADNOR HOUSE TWICKENHAM EARLSCLIFFE
— Accredited Thinking
— WINNER, Well-being
School Status
Initiative, Kent Mental Health Well-being Awards
SANCTON WOOD — WINNER, Independent School
— SHORTLISTED, Independent
of the Year – Well-being EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA — SHORTLISTED, Independent Schools of the Year EATON HOUSE THE MANOR — SHORTLISTED, Independent Schools of the Year HAMPTON COURT HOUSE — SHORTLISTED, Independent School of the Year — RHS Level 5 Award for School Community Garden
82
L ooking B ack
Schools of the Year — WINNER, Great for Community, Best of Best Preps Awards, The Week Independent Schools Guide — SHORTLISTED for London Independent Schools of the Year by Independent School Parent.
THE LYCEUM — SHORTLISTED, Independent Schools of the Year
— Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide, Independent School of the Year for Academic
Dukes Inter School Events
Excellence, Wales
— Dukes Chess
— HIGHLY COMMENDED, most Creative Learning through Play category, Muddy Stilettos Awards 2024
Championship: The Pointer School’s boys’ team
EUROPE
— FINALIST in the Education Choice Awards 2024 for Diversity and Inclusion in Sport
COLEGIO JOYFE WINNER of Professionalisation of an admissions department
— SHORTLISTED for the Chelsea Award by Sloane Square Magazine/Cadogan in Community Collaboration category
for improving recruitment
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
— Dukes Swimming Gala, Winner: Eaton Square Prep — Dukes Athletics, Winner: Orchard House School — Dukes Netball
and conversion, Club
Tournament, Winner:
Excelencia en Gestión.
Orchard House School
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
83
Safeguarding, Compliance & Inspections
Inspections A total of five schools, 16 nurseries have had successful, formal ISI and Ofsted inspections over the last academic year with two newly acquired nurseries also having good Ofsted outcomes prior to joining Dukes Education during 2024. Radnor Prep School had a successful Ofsted routine inspection as a new school.
Name Change Approvals
5
3
have had successful,
had successful
formal ISI and Ofsted
material change
inspections.
inspections.
schools
schools
18
nurseries had successful Ofsted
Eaton Square Senior and Northwood Senior school
inspections prior to joining Dukes
received Ofsted approval for their name change
Education, had successful,
to London Park School Mayfair and London Park
formal Ofsted inspections.
School Sixth Form. Chiswick and Bedford Park School became part of Orchard House School after successful material change approval.
DSL Development Day This year’s DSL development day was
Guidance and support A total of 123 days of formal support has been provided from the Dukes Central team which has included live inspection support, health and safety audits, SCR / HR records administration, staff training workshops, telephone advice, and compliance support visits.
held in May for safeguarding staff from all sectors of the Dukes family. Sessions were led by external speakers, including leading safeguarding lawyers and a former victim of sexual abuse, each giving a unique perspective from their experiences. The event was well received and positive feedback was given by staff from the schools, colleges and Dukes Plus organisations attending.
In addition, new, robust safeguarding audits and health and safety support and compliance visits have been undertaken across Little Dukes nurseries.
Minibus licensing Blue Flag Transport Consultancy Ltd and Dukes Central team have continued to provide support to ensure legal regulatory compliance with our PSV minibus operations.
84
L ooking B ack
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
85
Safer Recruitment Training This year, Dukes has delivered Safer Recruitment
Key pillars of safeguarding
Consortium training for 72 staff from colleges, schools, nurseries and Dukes Plus. This face-to-face, high-level safer recruitment training is in addition to the online training also delivered.
1
2
3
there is an opportunity to reflect on trends from the
Consistent, robust policies and procedures
past year and how this will then inform the provision
— Delivered by regularly
Effective use of technology to track data and assess trends includes
Consistent and continuous monitoring and review
Including:
— Weekly safeguarding reports
Annual Safeguarding Reviews A successful programme of annual safeguarding reviews of Dukes organisations ran through the year. All schools and colleges hold an Annual Safeguarding Review with their governors, in which
going forward.
trained staff, monitored and reviewed by Governors,
UKVI Dukes Plus The Dukes Plus Safeguarding Advisory Board, made up of key staff in Dukes to advise Dukes Plus companies’ leadership and safeguarding staff, has been active to help companies prioritise safeguarding across their businesses. All companies hold an Annual Safeguarding Review with board members and the board’s safeguarding advisor is on hand to support with training, policy development and live safeguarding issues throughout the year.
Senior Leadership
The Immigration Team has now completed two full
Teams and Designated
seasons. The team, made up of an immigration
Safeguarding Leads.
to Safeguarding Governor/ — SCR Tracker for safer recruitment — CPOMS – timely reporting
manager, student immigration officers and
and actioning of any
authorising officer for all licenses, is supported
concerns or allegations
by an external legal advisor.
including low-level concerns
Managing Director — Termly safeguarding report to the Governors — On-site safeguarding and compliance audits at all settings — Annual safeguarding
— 909 international students are sponsored across
reviews at settings to review
Dukes schools and colleges
effectiveness
— All Basic Compliance Assessments have been
— External advice and guidance
successful
sought in line
— Eaton House school was inspected by UKVI (Home
with KCSIE guidance
Office) in June and successfully passed with no
— Annual DSL Development/
concerns raised by the UKVI team
training days
— Currently Dukes 11 schools and colleges hold UKVI student sponsorship licences across seven licences — We are currently working with colleges and schools on five new licences — 653 CAS were issued this year, a 9.5% increase
Cluster Groups Additional cluster groups were established this year, including a group of the nurses employed in schools and colleges. These join established groups for Designated Safeguarding Leads in schools and Heads
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
The Dukes Board are responsible as Safeguarding Governors and take ultimate responsibility for safeguarding
of Boarding modelling the sharing of good practice already in place for colleges.
86
L ooking B ack
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
87
03
LOOK AT DUKES NOW
88
L ook at D ukes now
90
Dukes Villages
104
Insight
92
Dukes by Numbers
105
bob
94
Our People
106
Well-being
100
Heroes Behind the Crown
108
Sustainability
102
Community Co-ordinators
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
89
Hampstead AGES 2-13
Devonshire House School
Bassett House School
AGES 2-13
AGES 2-11
Miss Daisy’s Nursery
The Acorn Nursery Notting Hill Preparatory School
London Park School Mayfair
Pippa Pop-ins AGES 2-5
AGES 4-13
Kindergartens POOH CORNER • AGES 2-5
AGES 3-16
Hopes and Dreams Montessori Nursery School Hampstead Heathside School CITY ROAD • AGES 0-5 Fine Arts College Hampstead Bassett House School Hopes and Dreams AGESAGES 2-13 13-18 AGES 2-11 The Lyceum School Montessori Nursery School Miss Daisy’s Nursery AGES 4-11 The Acorn Nursery Devonshire House School OLD STREET • AGES 0-5 HYDE PARK • AGES 2-5 AGES 2-13
Dukes Education DUKES HOUSE, BUCKINGHAM GATE
Eaton Square Prep School • AGES 2-11 Miss Daisy’s Nursery
BROOK GREEN • AGES 2-5
Miss Daisy’s Nursery CHELSEA • AGES 2-5
AGES 2-5
Miss Daisy’s Nursery
AGES 2-13
Pippa Pop-ins AGES 2-5
BELGRAVIA • AGES 2-5
KNIGHTSBRIDGE • AGES 2-5
OLD STREET • AGES 0-5
Devonshire House School
Eaton House Belgravia School • AGES 2-8
Miss Daisy’s Nursery
Dukes North Hopes and Dreams London Village Montessori Nursery School AGES 13-18
AGES 2-11
AGES 11-16
Knightsbridge School
Hampstead Fine Arts College
Heathside School Hampstead
HYDE PARK • AGES 2-5
AGES 2-5
London Park School Sixth • AGES 15-18
Hopes and Dream The Lyceum School Montessori Nursery Schoo Dukes Education AGES 13-18
Knightsbridge School
Kindergartens
Pippa Pop-ins
Hopes and Dreams London Park Hampstead Montessori Nursery School School Mayfair ANGEL •Fine AGES Arts 0-5 College AGES 11-18
AGES 4-11 BUCKINGHAM GATE OFFICE OLD STREET • AGES 0-
AGES 3-16
POOH CORNER • AGES 2-5
Hopes and Dreams Eaton House Montessori Nursery School Belgravia School • AGES 3-11
AGES 2-5
Dukes Central London Village
Broomfield House School Riverside Nursery Schools
AGES 3-11
The Acorn Nursery
Dukes Kindergartens Villages
CRESCENT II • AGES 0-5
Dukes deliberately creates clusters of nurseries and schools in ‘village settings’ to ensure that families can enjoy an allthrough education within the same area.
AGES 2-5
RICHMOND • AGES 0-5
Riverside Nursery Schools Broomfield
House School ST MARGARETS MONTESSORI • AGES 2-5 AGES 3-11 Radnor House Riverside Prep • AGES 2-11 Nursery Schools
Riverside Nursery Schools * Kneller Hall School ST MARGARETS MONTESSORI • AGES 0-5
AGES 11-18
Broomfield House School
TWICKENHAM GROSVENOR PARK • AGES 0-5
Radnor House Riverside Schools 2-11 Prep • AGESNursery Kneller Hall School Radnor House KEW MONTESSORI • Riverside AGES 11-18 Riverside Prospect School •Nursery AGES 11-18Schools AGES 0-5 ST MARGARETS MONTESSORI • AGES 0-5 Nursery Schools House School RIVERSIDE, GROSVENOR Riverside AGES 3-11 HOUSE • AGES 0-5 Riverside Nursery Schools Riverside Nursery TWICKENHAM Schools Nursery Schools GROSVENOR PARK • AGES 0-5 TWICKENHAM GREEN MONTESSORI TWICKENHAM PARK Radnor House AGES 0-5 AGES 0-5 Prep • AGES 2-11 * Kneller Hall School Radnor House AGES 11-18 Riverside School • AGES 11-18 Nursery Schools Riverside RIVERSIDE, HOLLY ROAD Riverside Nursery Schools Nursery Schools AGES 0-5 Hampton Court TWICKENHAM GREEN MONTESSORI TWICKENHAM PARK House School AGES 0-5 AGES 0-5
Senior schools & colleges Preparatory schools
AGES 2-18
Radnor House School • AGES 11-18
Sixth Form College BELGRAVIA • AGES 2-5
Dukes Clapham Village
Pippa Pop-ins
AGES 3-11
Riverside Nursery Schools
Eaton Square Preparatory School Prep School • AGES 2-11 Senior School Miss Daisy’s Nursery
KNIGHTSBRIDGE • AGES 2-5
TWICKENHAM PARK • AGES 0-5
KEW MONTESSORI • AGES 0-5
Eaton Square Prep School • AGES The 2-11 Lyceum School K EY: Miss Daisy’s MissNursery Daisy’s Nursery AGES 4-11 HYDE PARK •BELGRAVIA AGES 2-5 • AGES 2-5 Educational Setting: London Park SchoolNursery Sixth • School AGES 15-18
Miss Daisy’s Nursery
Riverside Nursery Schools
*
Nurseries
Miss Daisy’s Nursery Notting HillKNIGHTSBRIDGE • AGES 2-5 School Miss Preparatory Daisy’s Nursery
Orchard House School
Riverside Nursery Schools
BOYS • AGES 8-13
AGES 2-11
Dukes AGES 4-13 BROOK GREEN • AGES 2-5 South-West AGES 3-11 Miss Daisy’s Nursery CHELSEA • AGES 2-5 London Village
KEW MONTESSORI • AGES 2-5
Broomwood Prep
Bassett House School
AGES 3-11
AGES 3-11
Prospect ouse School
CITY ROAD • AGES 0-5
Orchard House School
AGES 2-5
London Park School Sixth • AGES 15-18
Broomwood Prep BOYS • AGES 8-13
Kindergartens
MOUSE HOUSE • AGES 2-5 Kindergartens CRESCENT II • AGES 0-5
Kindergartens
AGES 2-5
Broomwood Prep BOYS • AGES 8-13
THE PARK • AGES 2-5
London Park School, Kindergartens Clapham • AGES 11-18 Eaton House MOUSE HOLE
Kindergartens
MOUSE HOUSE • AGES 2-5
Kindergartens CRESCENT II • AGES 0-5 Prospect House School Broomwood Prep AGES 3-11
BOYS • AGES 8-13
Kindergartens Riverside Nursery Schools
London Park School, Clapham • AGES 11-18
CRESCENT II • AGES 0-5
THE MANOR GIRLS SCHOOL • AGES 2-11 THE MANOR BOYS SCHOOL • AGES 2-13
Broomwood Prep GIRLS • AGES 8-13
London Park School, Clapham • AGES 11-16 Broomwood Pre-prep AGES 3-7
Kindergartens THE PARK • AGES 2-5
RIVERSIDE, HOLLY ROAD AGES 0-5 * Opening soon
Hampton Court House School AGES 2-18
90
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
91
DUKES BY NUMBERS 62 81
4,250
21,400
~25%
of all Oxbridge applicants use
4,000+ 3,000+ hours of admissions
98%
our services or resources
test preparation
receiving offers from them all
All 8
#1 ranked
94%
Ivy League schools extended offers
Dukes brands
Dukes settings
Staff
colleagues attended
2% 3%
4,342
summer school provider
of students were accepted to at least
one of their 11+ choices, with many
of students would
to Dukes Consultancy students
recommend to a friend
1 million+ 87%
86,177
Pupils
Dukes staff by numbers
1,900
mock interviews and
12%
users each year access
of customers received
The Lawyer Portal’s law
one or more offer
child days provided
guides and resources
members of Dukes Club
Dukes ‘The Heart of Education’ conference
10,945 ~1,000 resources viewed on the
children attended Poetry
Dukes Club website
Together celebration event
Cardiff Sixth Form College A-level results
92
90.6%
A*-A
L ook at D ukes now
83%
Nurseries
4,250 employees
Schools & Colleges Dukes Plus Central Team
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
93
Aatif Hassan Founder & Chairman
David Fitzgerald Europe CEO
Tim Fish UK/IRE CEO
Mike Giffin CFO
OUR PEOPLE
Business Development Team
Will Bedford Director
Dr Glenn Hawkins Director
Raj Prasad Director
Education Advisory Board
Jon Pickles Director
Tim Moss General Counsel
Hannah Boddy Legal Counsel
Executive Support
Board of Directors UK Board
Europe Board Jenny Aviss Senior Advisor and Governor
Mike Giffin CFO
Tim Fish UK CEO
Professor Mark Bailey Managing Director
David Fitzgerald Europe CEO
Juan Casteres Finance Director Europe
Libby Nicholas Managing Director
David Goodhew Managing Director
Liza Humphrey Marketing & Admissions Director
Matthew Tompkins Managing Director, Portugal
Jonathan Cuff Managing Director, Colleges
Chris Eversden Managing Director, Spain
Philippe Grosskot Managing Director, Central Europe
Dukes Senior Leaders
Gareth Collier Executive Director HPL
Geoff Marston Group Compliance Director
94
Sally Cornelius Sustainability Manager
Rik McShane Director, Little Dukes
Isaac Dossa Glen Fendley Richard Fletcher Divisional Finance Chief Executive Director of Director Dukes Foundation Performance
Catherine Robertson Divisional Finance Director
L ook at D ukes now
Enrico Golia IT Director
Vivienne Melville EA to the Chairman
Charlotte Pereira PA to the UK Board
Higinia Lopez EA to the Europe Board
Central Teams
Mike Giffin Chief Financial Officer Damian Quinn Group Property Director
Neil Roskilly Senior Advisor and Governor
Claire Little Director of People
FINANCE & IT Scott Giles Group Sales & Marketing Director
Pam Mundy Senior Advisor and Governor
Rob Humphreys Suzie Longstaff Divisional Finance Principal of Director London Park Schools
Chris Skulte Marcelle Stewart Dr Ricardo Tracey Whittington Finance Director, Director of Tavares Finance Director, Dukes Plus People Director, Dukes Plus Little Dukes
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
HR COMPLIANCE & LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Marcelle Stewart Director of People
Katherine Almeida Group Financial Controller
Isaac Dossa Divisional Finance Director
Rob Humphreys Finance Director, Colleges
Catherine Robertson Divisional Finance Director
Chris Skulte Finance Director, Dukes Plus
Tracey Whittington Finance Director, Little Dukes
Hannah Simons Group Finance Manager
Nicola Bradley Group Head of Tax
Gerrad Gole IT Engineer
Enrico Golia IT Director
Kevin Chung Head of IT, Outer London Schools
Ronak Mehta IT Technical Project Manager
Peter Holl Head of IT Colleges and Cyber Security
Thomas Earl IT & Data Manager
Richard Fletcher Director of Performance
Olivia Campbell L&D Project Manager
Lauren Huntley HR Manager
Stacey Smith HR Manager
Geoff Marston Group Compliance Director
Paul Ludlow Compliance Director Colleges
Lee Tattum UKVI Manager
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
95
Central Teams
Education Leaders Little Dukes & Schools
SALES & MARKETING
Scott Giles Group Sales & Marketing Director
ESTATES
Anna Aston Director of Communications
Connie Cooper-Berkhout Marketing & Events Co-ordinator
Eliza Cumming-Cove Marketing & Admissions Director (mat leave)
Thea Phillips Marketing & Admissions Director (mat cover)
Janine Funsch Business Development Director
Alex Goddard Media Production Manager
Chris Hennessy Director of Digital
Andrew Kingston Senior Digital Marketing Manager
Benedetta Mancusi Social Media and SEO Content Manager
Louis Scott Digital Marketing and E-commerce Manager
Henrietta Lightwood Global Director of Marketing & Student Recruitment
Ben Murray Marketing & Admissions Director, Little Dukes
Matthew McLarty International Recruitment Manager
Hannah Parkinson Head of Alumni Relations and Partner Events
Annika Yerushalmy Marketing & Admissions Director
Laura Skinner Project Director, Dukes Brand
Natalia Volchugova Associate Director, International Student Recruitment
Neil Cartwright Regional Head of Property
Michael Watts Regional Head of Property
Francesca Hadden Receptionist
Stephen Crowe Office Manager, Dukes House
Damian Quinn Group Property Director
Sally Cornelius Sustainability Manager
EUROPE
Ignacio López Property Director, Iberia
Jose Azcue Director of Learning, Iberia
Ana Miranda Finance Director, Portugal
David Fitzgerald Europe CEO
Rik McShane Director, Little Dukes
Nazish (Naz) Usman Principal, Hopes and Dreams Nursery
Zanna Clarke Principal, Miss Daisy’s Nursery
Rachel Watson Principal, Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools
Jo Allen Principal Reflections Nursery, Interim Principal Riverside Nurseries, and Director of Education Little Dukes
Natalie Atkins Principal, The Kindergartens
Adam Anstey Head, Broomfield House School
Henry Keighley-Elstub Head, Devonshire House School
Chris Woodward Head, Bassett House School
Michael Hodge Principal, Broomwood Schools
Louisa McCafferty Head, Broomwood Girls
Caron MacKay Head, Broomwood Pre-Prep
Sarah Segrave Principal, Eaton House Schools
Ross Montague Head, Eaton House Belgravia
David Wingfield Head, Eaton House Boys
Claire Fildes Head, Eaton House Girls
Sebastian Hepher Principal, Eaton Square Schools
Patricia Watt Head, Eaton Square Prep
Suzie Longstaff Principal, London Park Schools
Susan Brooks Head, London Park School, Clapham
Dr Adrian Rainbow Head, London Park School, Mayfair
Magoo Giles Principal, Knightsbridge School
Shona Colaço Head, Knightsbridge School
Sara Williams-Ryan Head, Heathside School Hampstead
Amy Cavilla Principal, Radnor House School
Stephen Carrington Head, Radnor House School
Stephanie Piper Head, Radnor House Prep School
Katherine Vintiner Principal, Hampton Court House School
Maxine Shaw Head, Notting Hill Preparatory School
Henrietta Adams Head, Orchard House School
Kelly Gray Head, Prospect House School
Mike Stanley Head, The Lyceum School
Charlotte Crookes Head, The Pointer School
Georgina Stanley Principal, Hove Village Nurseries
Richard Settle Principal, Sancton Wood School
96
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
97
Sixth Forms & Colleges
Dukes Plus
Tom Arrand Principal, CSFC Cardiff
Dr Julian Davies Principal, CSFC Cambridge
Mark Love Head, Earlscliffe
Dr Ricardo Tavares Director, Dukes Plus
Shameer Thobhani Co-Founder & Director, InvestIN Education
Hitesh Chowdhry Co-Founder & Director, InvestIN Education
Candida Cave Principal, Hampstead Fine Arts College
Emmy Schwieters Head, Hampstead Fine Arts College
Alistair Brownlow Principal, Rochester Independent College
Katie Krais Partnerships Director, Dukes Plus
Will Finlayson Director, Summer Boarding Courses
Luke Hayward Managing Director, Ultimate Activity Camps
Wayne Marshall Principal, St Andrew’s College, Cambridge
Yvonne O’Toole Principal, Institute of Education, Dublin
Micheál Landers Principal, Bruce College, Cork
Ryan Edwards Experiences Director
Alison Bissell Director, Dukes Plus Consultancy
Tania Virdie Managing Director, JK Educate
Marco Carvalho Director, Colégio Júlio Dinis, Porto
Sofia Chamusca Director, Colégio Júlio Dinis, Porto
Helena Pina Vaz Head, Colégio Luso Internacional de Braga
Carlien Shelley Principal, International Sharing School, Lisbon
Martin Harris Executive Director, United Lisbon International School
Clive Smith Langridge Interim Head, ESA
David Russell Head, Castellón
Carolina López Sanchez Head, Engage
Esther Fernándz Director, Colegio Joyfe
Juan José Fernández Director, Colegio Joyfe
James Batten Head, La Nucia
Sylvia Pineda Picado Head, Valladolid
Javier Palacios Interim Head, Zaragoza
Grant Ferguson Director, Copperfield International
Portugal
Spain
Central Europe
98
Pavel Novák Head, American Academy in Brno
Lenka Titerova Head, American Academy in Prague
Carly McCann Head, American Academy in Zagreb
Magda Nedvědová Head, Bambíno
Šárka Ochmanová Head, Beehive School and Square
Hana Neužilová Head, Pražské Humanitní Gymnázium
Dr. Christina Tsibiridi Head, International School of Athens
Lila Vasilescu Head, Verita
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
99
HEROES BEHIND THE CROWN
In every successful organisation there will be a team of people working behind the scenes; these are the people out of the limelight, the ones that work diligently, quietly and with humility, sometimes without wider recognition. As well as the many finalists and winners of Dukes Awards, there are many unsung heroes in the Dukes Family that colleagues want to recognise and thank. The Dukes Heroes Behind the Crown Awards are given to these extraordinary people. In December, we were delighted to welcome
“There are many unsung heroes in the Dukes Family that colleagues want to recognise and thank.” Aatif Hassan Founder and Chairman of Dukes Education
staff from across the UK and Ireland to our second Heroes Behind the Crown dinner, the first to be held at Dukes House. It was an opportunity to celebrate these people, the
Aatif Hassan, Tim Fish and Director of People,
ones who always go the extra mile, who clean
Claire Little, gave opening speeches to thank
up when everyone else has gone home, who
our Heroes for the positive impact they have on
notice the shy child on their own and make
colleagues, parents and children throughout the
them laugh, the ones who keep schools open
Dukes family. The winners were presented with a
in freezing weather, or serve fresh, tasty food
certificate and a brochure of commendation has
day in day out. The four Dukes values remind us
been made in their honour. We know that there
why we do what we do every day: We lead with
are many people within the organisation who are
Heart, We love learning, We are a team, We do
deserving of this recognition and look forward to
it well. Our Heroes Behind the Crown are the
celebrating with them too in the future. European
embodiment of these values.
colleagues will also be recognised during 2025.
1 00
L ook at D ukes now
SERVICE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
101
Community Coordinators
2024 highlights
Who are the Community Coordinators?
— Primary English Teach Meet - 20 English teachers collaborate on the theme, ‘alone
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
we can do so little, together we can do Being part of the Dukes family means we can come
so much’, to really draw on the sense of
together to share ideas, expertise and support
community and promote the use of the hub
each other. One way we do this is through our
— Primary Maths - 10 teachers got together to
Community Coordinators whose role is critical to
discuss the gender gap in maths. Guest speaker
the success of the Dukes Hub, to lead engagement
Dr Valentina Tonei from the University of
through Teach Meets and support forums across
Southampton presented data and findings on
key subjects. Coordinators now cover various
gender gaps in attainment and choice, focusing on
disciplines in both primary and secondary education
the underlying determinants and potential solutions
and are now in place across many subjects. Each Community Coordinator received training on the Dukes Hub and now serves as a point of contact for best practices and peer support. The
— 10 office administrators met to discuss best practice in holding open days — 30 SEND teachers participated in a Development Day
coordinators hosted the first round of Teach Meets
— Meet ups were also held for Primary PSHE,
in November, aiming to foster a stronger sense of
Secondary English, Secondary Maths,
community and cross-institutional collaboration.
Secondary Biology and Secondary Physics
1 02
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
SUBJECT
COORDINATORS
SUBJECT
COORDINATORS
English
James Gillick, Lauren Carver Williams
English
Chris Firth
PE
Jack Hallas
Physics
Gareth Jenkins
Science/STEM
Emilia Angelilo
PE
Edward Payne
Maths
Donal O’Sullivan
Maths
Stephanie Richards
PSHE
Russell Friese
Biology
Matthew Sison
SEND
Kerry Nicols
PSHE
Mark Young
Art & Design
Sabrina Tabuchi
SEND
Esther Haworth
Computing
Dee Edwards
French
Nadège Gandemer
Librarian
Nicole Ferreira
Photography
Michael Daks
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
103
1,700 copies distributed to Dukes settings and education agents around the world.
During 2024, ‘bob’, a cloud-based HR database, has been integrated into all UK settings. In total, 2,926 members of staff have logged into bob. Employee engagement and communications bob is now established as the primary source of staff information in Dukes. Shoutouts on bob’s homepage keep staff up to date with news and updates from individual settings and from Dukes. This year, a regular
Insight
Based upon serious journals such as the Harvard Business Review, the Dukes Education Insight journal is our opportunity to be thought-leaders in the education sector. Articles are written by members of staff from across the group and printed copies are sent to all Dukes settings and education agents around the world. Editor, Tim Fish, sets a theme for each issue and this
Quote of the Week post has staff from any Dukes setting
personal and job-related information.
wise, funny or profound words
Personal details such as a change of
to inspire colleagues across
address can be updated easily using
the group and the half-termly
the self-service functionality.
Dukes staff newsletter is
160
published there.
articles written to date
Writers wanted! If you would like to contribute to the Insight journal in 2025, please get in touch: marketing@dukeseducation.com
Connect & Collaborate The group directory and organisation charts mean that it is easy to contact
Invaluable staff benefits
keeping up to date with training, reading updated
Details of how to action tasks will be published on Scan to read...
archived in the British Library.
the latest copy of Insight
I N N O VAT I O N & A D V E N T U R E
finding common interests.
via bob, for example,
updating personal data.
Hub and Dukes website. Previous editions are now
option to list hobbies in your profile, employees can even break the ice by
premium, intelligent and progressive organisation. You can view past copies by visiting the Dukes
other people around Dukes. With the
Staff can receive tasks
staff policies and
L ook at D ukes now
Employees can take control of their
can share a favourite quote -
high-quality publication helps position Dukes as a
1 04
Self-service
been established. A member of
The Employee Assistance Programme is available to all staff in the Dukes Family. It is a totally confidential and professional lifemanagement service.
One-stop-shop bob provided quick access to workrelated systems, including PayCircle, Dukes Hub & Dukes Club.
the Dukes Hub.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
105
WELL-BEING The L&D team has placed significant emphasis on mental health, with workshops like Address Your Stress and Raising Resilience. These sessions have been well-received, with an average
transformative course is tailored for primary and
effectiveness score of 9.5/10, and provide practical
secondary classroom teachers, seeking to cultivate a
strategies to support staff in managing stress and
positive and supportive learning environment for both
fostering resilience. Additionally, the Suicide First Aid
them and their students. The programme is designed
Youth Lite online course has been particularly impactful in
to enhance classroom well-being through innovative
equipping staff with crisis intervention skills.
approaches rooted in positive psychology principles creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
This year, a pilot programme, Positive Psychology: Thriving Classrooms has been launched. The
Health assured Employee Assistance Programme The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is available
Four-week self-help programmes
to all staff and provides a confidential telephone service with trained counsellors available 24/7, 365 days a year. The telephone calls are 100% confidential and can support staff in dealing with personal and
Mini health checks
professional problems that could be affecting home or work life, health or general well-being. In addition, Health Assured also offers a virtual library
Interactive health assessment providing tailor-made dietary tips and fitness plans
of well-being articles, self-help guides, and assessment tools, including: Fitness and lifestyle advice, such as detoxing methods
Financial well-being articles
1 06
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
107
SUSTAINABILITY
Waste management
Flourish model
The ambition to be ‘zero to landfill’ by 2030, and
This year, a number of settings began to examine
compliance with the UK government’s new Simpler
the principles of the Flourish model and how nature
Recycling legislation coming into effect in March
inspired learning environments can be created within
2025, have both driven the focus on better waste
school buildings that mimic nature and create a more
In 2024, Dukes Education furthered its commitment
management. Along with reviewing the waste supply
sensory and natural approach to teaching.
to being a responsible organisation and reducing its
a circular economy approach, we are engaging all our
carbon footprint to carbon net zero by 2050.
chain, improved bin labelling and taking steps towards stakeholders in this process. A Dukes Education recycling hub has been created which enables our communities to share and reuse materials and furniture. There are also local examples of recycling and reusing activities taking place across
Key actions:
Journey to Net Zero
the group, from swapping unwanted uniform and
— Employment of a full-time Group
We completed our third year of carbon foot
reuse of materials within art and creative lessons
printing for Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Scope 1
and projects.
Sustainability Manager — Development of a clear strategy and plan for the group — Working towards making sustainability a whole-school approach
books, to pupil-led community litter picks and the
and Scope 2 with Planet Mark. For 2023/2024,
Creating a sustainable workforce
we have worked with a carbon management provider to plot Scopes 1 and 2 and have also begun the data collection processes and supply chain management for Scope 3.
Water efficiency Water efficiency is also under review and a target to reduce usage by 5% by 2027 has been set. This will be achieved by understanding the settings’ current
Embedding a greener infrastructure
measurement and use and then creating a central portal for improved water management. Technology such as water sensors, flush controls, improved pipe
Central to reducing the group’s carbon
lagging and water harvesting opportunities will be
footprint has been switching the UK-based
used where possible.
organisation to a green energy tariff which
enabled managers to better measure, monitor and manage energy consumption resulting in
Scope 1 and 2* = 3417.8 tCO2e
Scope 1 and 2* = 2726.5 tCO2e
Scope 1 and 2* = 2,227 tCO2e
efficiencies. In addition, it has prompted
joined the National Education Nature Park initiative,
raising awareness of energy consumption
carbon literacy. A Sustainability Foundations e-learning module has been created and will be undertaken by all UK-based staff by February 2025. Aiming to inform and inspire, the short module is intended to ensure that all staff have a general understanding of what sustainability means to Dukes. This is supported by the network of Sustainability Champions that operates across 97% of the Dukes settings, and the Sustainability
Habitat creation Dukes is committed to becoming nature positive and
approach of communities with many schools
is ensuring that all staff have an understanding of
resources, learning and networking.
the reduction of consumption and improved positive changes in the behaviour and
Key to the success of the Dukes sustainability plan
Community Hub, which provides a shared space for
was completed by switching 247 electricity and gas meters in August 2024. This has
CASE STUDY: London Park School Mayfair has engaged with Clare Bowman, a leading expert on biophilia in education to create a sustainable design code for schools, and to monitor and measure the impact of nature within classrooms on learning and achievement.
21/22
22/23
23/24
*Market based scope 1 and 2 Independently validated
part of the Department of Education’s Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy. This involves mapping outdoor spaces, monitoring contributions to
through energy switch off days and pupil
biodiversity through student-led activities. Outdoor
energy monitor roles.
learning time for students has continued to grow through, forest schools, gardening clubs, nature-based activities as well as work within community gardens and local parks and allotments.
1 08
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
109
In 2024:
Sharing the story All settings have a dedicated sustainability webpage and
56
aim to regularly post sustainability-related stories. This is supported with internal communications, workshops
settings achieved
and events that incorporate sustainability into school
an internationally
agendas. A Dukes-wide resource calendar enables all to
recognised Eco
recognise significant national and global environmental and social awareness days throughout the school year and these are celebrated at schools through assembles, lessons and out-of-school activities.
37
settings have achieved Transport for London STARS awards
10
Schools Green
settings received
Flag award
other eco awards
Embedding sustainability into the curriculum and culture
Dukes Sustainability Week 2024 involved a range of activities across settings including; an assembly for students that highlighted the sustainability pledges made
Engagement of students is critical to the success
by a range of sports organisations, clubs and players,
of the Dukes sustainability strategy. This is being
and the whole Dukes community was encouraged to
achieved through the Dukes Difference, those parts
make a sustainability pledge. Through our ambition to
of the Dukes Education offering that set it apart
collaborate, we are working with the wider Dukes group
from other school groups, such as the Dukes Young
to develop our common threads, learn and share and
Leaders Award and the range of sustainability
have a global impact through our communities.
focused activities, clubs and initiatives.
Currently... External collaboration and partnerships
82%
42%
an Eco Club or
student Eco Champion
committee
or prefect
of settings have
Dukes Education has joined the UN Global Compact network and the Group Sustainability Manager has
of settings have a
engaged throughout the year with the Department of Education’s Sustainability Group, other independent
Throughout the autumn term we have consulted
school groups and a range of sustainability working
internally and externally to understand different
groups across a variety of sectors. This engagement
educational approaches to sustainability and
is to ensure that Dukes is fully equipped with the
sustainable thinking within the curriculum. Through
latest insights and knowledge, resources, and legal
the group, we embrace the principles of Forest School,
requirements and further demonstrate our commitment
the Harmony Project, UNSDG’s framework and the UN
to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Model Nations and this year we will share best practice in the drive to further develop sustainable thinking into the curriculum. As a result of this consultation, we recognise the growing importance of green skills and are striving to ensure that students are equipped with these for the future. Beginning in Early Years with a connection to nature, this develops into the ability to share and
Goals for 2025 — Hold student-led activities and Earth Summit — Review purchasing and operational requirements including stationery, electronic devices, catering and transport in order to build a more sustainable supply chain that will ensure compliance, avoid corporate risk and help to build our growing sustainable mindset — Ensure all settings have robust sustainability
debate environmental and social issues by KS3 and
plans incorporating operational (decarbonisation)
4, as well the ability to design and create innovative
and engagement (educational) initiatives
technological solutions.
1 10
L ook at D ukes now
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
111
04
WHAT MAKES DUKES DIFFERENT?
1 12
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
114
Adding Value
116
The Dukes Difference
118
Learning & Development
119
Dukes Plus
120
Dukes Young Leaders Award
122
Dukes Club
124
Dukes Foundation
128
Poetry Together
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
113
Adding Value Thought-leadership
Well-being
L&D
Mental health training
Leadership programmes
and EAP support
and education conferences
Dukes Hub
Articles contributed by
Knowledge base and
teachers and school leaders
learning portal
Renaissance scholars symposium
Interschool chess tournament
Chairman for the day
Giving back
Dukes Careers School
Dukes Young Leaders programme
Dukes careers school
for staff
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
for pupils
+
+
Education Quality Frameworks Peer learning and evaluation
+
+
Enrichment talks & interschool events
Student sustainability champions
+
Interschool sports clinics and competitions
Alumni mentorship programme
+
+
+
Dukes Festival of the Arts
Poetry workshops
Celebrating Excellence Sharing Best Practice
Annual awards
Dukes Club talks
Dukes Community
Dukes debating festival
TED-X events
Sustainable careers week
Coordinators, subject champion network
Scan to watch... highlights of Dukes Education’s cricket event with Sir Andrew Strauss
1 14
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
115
The Dukes Difference Together we’re extraordinary.
Members of the Dukes Education family of schools and educators are brought together by a common purpose: to give children the foundations for an extraordinary life.
— University Prep — Career Experiences — Summer Schools — Tutoring
Why are we part of Dukes Education? Parents ask why schools join Dukes Education, and what it means for their child’s daily experience. The answer
Social impact through giving
Nurturing leadership, inspiring change
Exclusive opportunities for families
Extraordinary experiences for our community
is simple: by being part of a network of over 50 schools across the UK and Europe, we benefit from shared expertise, innovation, and good practice. Dukes also ensures our financial stability and provides ongoing capital investment, allowing us to enhance our facilities continually and offer exceptional learning opportunities for each child.
Plus... Unparalleled learning and development opportunities for staff
1 16
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
117
Learning & Development Dukes Plus works increasingly closely with Dukes schools and colleges to support students at all stages of their education and in many different ways.
2024
in review: Number of courses increased by
50% 54
In 2024, as well as holding events in the UK, Dukes Plus delivered talks
e-learning courses on Dukes Hub
to the parents at Dukes schools in Portugal for the first time. In partnership with Hampstead Fine
Relevance and facilitation scores both averaged over
9/10 this year
Dukes Careers School and Consultancy at Cardiff Sixth Form College Dukes Plus offers a range of consultancy and experiences to Cardiff Sixth Form students throughout the academic year that includes ‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ parent talk, US Universities parent talk, The Lawyer Portal Mock Trial experience for students and admissions test courses as well as consultations and mock interviews. All Year 10 and 12 students are enrolled in the Dukes Careers School.
Arts College, Dukes Plus launched
“As our fantastic students have shown, the support we receive
their first ever art competition for
from Dukes Plus goes a long way to help them navigate the
children from ages 4 to 16.
complexities of applying to leading universities in the UK and
The Dukes L&D programme expanded to offer 150 courses for the 2024-
the USA.” Tom Arrand, Principal, Cardiff Sixth Form College.
2025 academic year, covering essential areas such as leadership, teaching practices, pastoral care and operational skills.
11+ Tuition Support at Devonshire House School
300
The Foundations of Leadership Workshop, the bedrock of the Dukes culture At Devonshire House School, the Dukes Tutoring
of leadership has now been attended by a total of 500 participants.
team worked on interview preparation for 11+ and
participants attended Foundations of Leadership
provided feedback reports for each child. “Dukes Tutoring delivered lots of fantastic tips and advice to our pupils as they prepared for their senior school interviews. With
Forest School Certification training facilitation rated
expert guidance on tackling tough questions and presenting their
10/10
best self, children completed the sessions ready to make a lasting impression.” Henry Keighley-Elstubb, Head, Devonshire House School
11+ Advice for Parents at Heathside School Hampstead
Teaching Assistants rated their Development Day
9/10
for relevance and usefulness
1 18
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
Supporting parents through the senior school applications is a vital part of Dukes Plus service. At Heathside, Dukes Tutoring held a talk Scan to read...
Scan to hear from...
for parents of Year 5 children, providing insight into the process, and
the Learning &
the Devonshire House
reiterating the Head’s point that the best school for any child is where
Development brochure
School Head
they will be happy and where they will reach their full potential.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
119
As every good student of Latin knows, “Dukes” derives from the Latin verb “ducere” – “to lead”.
Leading with heart Our approach focuses on leadership not just of others but of self, involving high performance, innovation and adventure. We want our students to lead with their hearts and embrace service. This is why the Dukes Young Leaders’ Award seeks to instil the dispositions of humility, honour, courage and compassion. As we look around the world today, whatever our differences, we can all agree that if more people had those dispositions – especially those in leadership positions – the world would be a better place. This year it has been wonderful to see children of all ages throwing themselves whole-heartedly into the DYLA: a true education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It is about experiences gained and life lessons learned at the most formative time in our lives.
We celebrate the achievements of all our Young Leaders this year and, although it is all about the experiences not the qualifications, we especially congratulate the following pupils: Eaton Square Senior: Platinum Award (33) Diamond (5) Crown (3) Radnor House: Platinum Award (15) Rochester Independent College: Gold Award (13) Hampton Court House: Silver Award (18)
1 20
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
I N N O VAT I O N & A D V E N T U R E
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
121
Dukes Club was created to bring together Dukes Education’s extraordinary community of families, staff and alumni and use the power of the collective to offer elevated, unique experiences and expert
Adventurers in training as a Bear Grylls instructor guides campers through the art of knot-tying
advice in areas that matter to them the most. We know how important family time is, so we wanted to create special opportunities for families to learn new things and experience magical moments together. Events This summer, 60 campers spent quality time in
As well as providing exciting experiences for our families,
the great outdoors of Kneller Hall, learning how to
Dukes Club supports extraordinary co-curricular
survive in the wilderness from the Bear Grylls Survival
experiences for our schools to extend to their students. This
Academy instructors. Inspired by Bear Grylls, we
year students were given the opportunity to attend Poetry
learned skills utilised by inspirational adventurers;
Together. Here they received engaging and inspirational
we built shelters, applied camouflage, prepared for a bear attack and much more. Families left having
Young explorers’ faces shimmer through the kaleidoscope during their magical Science Museum sleepover
Immersed in a 3D adventure, students don their glasses and explore cinematic wonders at the Science Museum
Support and advice
Plans for 2025
workshops from top poets and had the chance to perform
Dukes Club also aims to provide our members with
Dukes Club has plans to extend our co-curricular offering to
in the prestigious Great Hall of Central Hall Westminster.
support and advice on real-time issues that impact
schools with our first ever Dukes Championships in the home
their children and families. Last year we offered
of champions, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Budding
learnt lifesaving skills and made lasting memories.
a neurodiversity series of webinars with leading
sports stars will compete against other schools in the group
In October, 90 Dukes Club members spent the night
expert Sarah Warley and marked Mental Health
in a range of sports at this inspirational venue with families
at a VIP sleepover at London’s Science Museum.
week with Julie Wilkinson offering a sustainable,
able to come along and enjoy the festivities of the day.
We explored the museum after dark and slept
life-skills training workshop to help combat issues
amongst its wonders in the medicine gallery and
with friendships, anger, anxiety, and stress.
took part in demonstrations and activities.
Dukes Club is for every member of the Dukes family. We are always open to feedback and suggestions.
We also commission articles written just for
If you would like to share this with us, please contact
Dukes Club also collaborated with schools to
our members with recommendations of the
laura.skinner@dukeseducation.com.
deliver events to our members, whilst providing the
best things to see and do when they’re looking
opportunity to showcase the school to new audiences.
for things to keep them entertained.
At Broomwood school, children were invited to join the Broomwood Bear Hunt, a morning of fun where Scan to join the club...
children were able to create masterpieces in the art studio, discover slime in the lab, bake biscuits and play garden games. The event wrapped-up with a picnic, story time and meeting Broomwood Bear in his lair.
1 22
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
Families shared joyful moments with the Broomwood Bear
SERVICE
Scan to watch...
You are warmly invited to join our
the Dukes Club’s Night
extraordinary community and
at the Science Museum
enjoy its exciting benefits
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
123
I felt proud and also humbled to be chosen, as I think the work of the Dukes Foundation will transform some children’s lives. I hope that I can add to Youth Board discussions and be mindful. This is a great experience for me too and I will always remember how much my life was changed by an educational decision and how privileged I have been to have the support of my parents and school.” – Isla, Year 10, Sancton Wood School
In October 2024, we announced that Dukes Foundation is embarking on a ground-breaking initiative to become the largest provider of transformational bursaries in the UK.
Grant making After a rigorous selection process, the Dukes Foundation supports charitable or voluntary organisations that work to advance the Foundation’s overall mission and strategic goals with commitments to: Mental Health, Education, Our Planet and Children’s Healthcare.
Sadly, children from low-income backgrounds are
The Foundation’s leadership: Aatif Hassan, Founder
statistically less likely to do well at school and advance
and Chairman of Dukes Education, Dukes Foundation’s
into further education, affecting their career opportunities
CEO, Glen Fendley and Dukes Foundation’s Managing
and life chances. The educational gap is widening. At
Director, David Goodhew, all experienced the
present, persistently disadvantaged pupils are predicted
transformative power of independent education and
to leave school, on average, 22.9 months behind their
want to share this opportunity with other young people.
most affluent peers. Research from PISA, the globally recognised educational benchmarking project, shows
The team is in the process of devising funding
that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds who
mechanisms, meeting with pipeline sources and
attend ‘advantaged’ schools, gain an educational
identifying potential donors, some of whom will
dividend equal to around 31 months of schooling.
come from the Dukes parent body, who know firsthand the value of an independent education.
Through our shared commitment to leading with heart, the Foundation will leverage Dukes Education’s position as the
A Heads’ Advisory Board will lead an on-boarding and
UK’s leading premium education group, its expertise and
monitoring programme to ensure the transition for these
drive, to close the educational attainment gap. Our aim
children into our schools will be smooth and that they
is to support 500 children from low-income backgrounds
PAPYRUS
The Bridge
are fully supported. In recognition of the importance of
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. The
For 29 years, The Bridge has worked to prevent and reduce
by enabling them to access the extraordinary
student voice, a Youth Advisory Board has been formed
national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
homelessness in Leicestershire. Their vision is resilient,
opportunities Dukes schools and colleges offer.
made up of students aged 11-18, representing 12 Dukes
believes many of those suicides are preventable. The
compassionate communities where people thrive in safe,
settings who will provide guidance on the issues that
charity aims to reduce the number of young people who
secure homes. They address the root causes of homelessness
matter to them most and hold us accountable in our work.
Education serves as a powerful catalyst to break the
take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around
and family breakdown, with award-winning mediators
cycle of unequal opportunities, empower individuals
suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise
supporting young people aged 11–19 and their families facing
and create socially diverse environments in our
and respond to suicidal behaviour. PAPYRUS offers a
home or relationship issues. Over the past two years, 100%
settings where everyone can benefit from being part
confidential helpline service - HOPELINE 247 and provides
of Talk2Sort clients reported that The Bridge prevented or
suicide prevention projects in communities across the UK.
overcame their homelessness.
papyrus-uk.org
thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk
of a deeper and wider talent pool. We hope that these
Scan to find out...
young people go on to be the leaders of tomorrow and
what a bursary means to a
make an impact on social mobility in the future.
student at The Pointer School
1 24
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
SERVICE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
125
Foundation and Dukes Education The Dukes Foundation supports Poetry Together, founded by Gyles Brandreth, run by Dukes Education and supported by Her Majesty Queen Camilla. The initiative promotes intergenerational connection through the joy of poetry. Younger and older communities get together all over the country with wonderful outcomes and stories of connection. Dukes Foundation is backing the Dukes Festival of Arts in Celebration of Dukes Education’s 10th anniversary. The festival will showcase talent from over 950 students across our schools and colleges at the Royal Festival Hall. As well as creating an extraordinary experience for students, any proceeds from the evening will go to the Dukes Foundation.
Impact in 2024
The Mix
Embrace Badjao
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young
The Badjao are an indigenous tribe living above the
people, and the Foundation’s grant helped raise awareness
shoreline in Davao, Philippines. The Badjao live in
of their offerings nationwide. The Mix engaged diverse
extreme poverty marginalised by Philippine society and
young people in creating materials distributed to 200
they receive minimal support from their government.
schools and youth centres to promote well-being, reduce
They have no running water or sanitation and
stigma, and help secondary students make positive choices
Badjao children receive very little education and as a
while providing access to crisis and counselling support.
result do not attempt to break the cycle of poverty.
Video content created by young people offered self-care
Many Badjao children are forced to beg, increasing
tips and encouraged help-seeking behaviour, which can be
society’s negative view of the tribe. Embrace Badjao
shared on digital platforms, during school assemblies, and
was founded with the aim of helping Badjao children
in classroom discussions to spark meaningful conversations.
access education that is too often denied to them.
themix.org.uk
embracebadjao.com
1 26
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
London Youth
Rwanda Action
London Youth is a charity on a mission to champion
As part of its VISION 2050, the government of Rwanda set
and strengthen London’s youth organisations and
the target of achieving equal access to quality education,
empower young people with the opportunities and
and job opportunities for all its citizens. In pursuit of
skills they need to succeed, particularly in areas
this, and with the support of the Duke’s Foundation,
of high deprivation. With support from the Dukes
Rwanda Action is trialling a framework for inclusion in
Foundation, their Good for Girls programme is
Rusizi District. They are providing training for parents
helping to transform the mental health landscape
of children with disabilities and appointing and training
for young women by reducing the need for specialist
Special Needs Education Coordinators in each of the
referrals through proactive, early intervention.
eighteen sectors of the district. They are also creating one School of Excellence for Special Needs and Inclusive
In 2024, the programme engaged over 144 girls
Education in each of the sectors. It is their aim to halve
and young women from Black, Asian, and/or
the number of children with disabilities not attending
ethnic minority communities. Over 100 young girls
school within three years. Having seen the suffering
benefited from weekly sports, arts, and movement
and isolation resulting from the misunderstanding
activities, while others developed their leadership
of disability, and from the stigma attached to it, it is
skills through youth-led social action projects
heartening to see the wholehearted enthusiasm with
centred on mindfulness and mental health. 44
which the local community is embracing this initiative.
young women were trained to become peer mentors, sharing their skills with their youth organisations to uplift others and 29 youth practitioners gained new skills through workshops to support young women’s mental health across the capital.
Scan to learn more... about the Dukes Foundation
SERVICE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
127
Poetry Together was founded by Gyles Brandreth, is run by Dukes Education, funded by Dukes Foundation and wonderfully supported by Her Majesty the Queen Camilla. It aims to connect younger and older generations
Poetry Together launch
through the joy of poetry. 2024 has been the initiative’s biggest year yet.
Poetry Together held a special event at Central Hall Westminster in November where 1,000 people, young
“There is a lot of research on the benefits to young and old by reciting poetry but marry that with the value of intergenerational connection and it’s really quite special.” – Gyles Brandreth
and old, joined together to celebrate all things poetry. Guests enjoyed workshops and performances from top poets such as former Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, Steven Camden aka polarbear and Laura Mucha. The Poetry Society and the Forward Arts Foundation joined us to offer interactive activities. Guests representing Dukes schools, state schools, grandparents and older communities were also given the opportunity to perform in the Great Hall. This iconic stage has been shared with incredible speakers such as Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and the Prince of Wales in the past. Attendees left feeling inspired and motivated, with a reinvigorated love of poetry. One school commented that “it was the best school trip ever”, and another wrote that “it was wonderful to bear witness to the enthusiasm for and love of poetry by so many people of all ages.”
1 28
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
SERVICE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
129
Performance for Her Majesty The Queen
Focus on friendship Avi said, “It’s been the best day. Queen Camilla was so
The theme of this year’s Poetry Together competition
warm and welcoming, and the biscuits were really good.”
is ‘friendship’ and younger and older communities are getting together all over the country to share their
Colin and Avi met last year when Avi’s School,
poems over tea and cake, with incredible outcomes.
Buckingham Primary School, took part in the Poetry Together Project. His class wrote their own poems based
We have people writing to tell us their stories of
on last year’s theme of ‘happiness’ and connected with
connection all the time: we were told of an ex-teacher
their local care home, Clarendon House Care Home,
with dementia whose ‘spark was reignited’ when the
where Colin was staying at the time. Here, they shared
children came to visit their care home, a young boy
their poems at a Poetry Together tea party. Their
from a school for early childhood trauma who bonded
Support of literacy is particularly prevalent following
local ITV news station came to cover their inspirational
with his newly adoptive grandfather through the poetry
a recent report by the National Literacy Trust which
story. As winners, Colin and Avi were also invited to
competition, even neighbours connecting. Many go on
noted a decline in children reading for pleasure
ITV’s This Morning to perform their poems live on air.
to continue their relationships, we’re told of ‘profound
at home. Jonathan Douglas, the charity’s Chief
Runners up received £250 worth of book vouchers.
meaningful connections’. The poem a lady created with
Executive commented, “the futures of a generation
a pupil meant so much to her, that her family wrote to
are at risk”. Promoting the benefits of literacy is
tell us that her granddaughter read it at her funeral.
a cause The Queen, Gyles, Dukes Education and
Recently, 120 children visited a community living home
Dukes Foundation share and will continue to address
and the organiser commented, ‘what struck me was
though initiatives such as Poetry Together.
Avi's poem (8 at the time of writing):
watching both residents and children arrive quietly Happiness is one of a kind
but leave smiling and laughing. Hearing my residents
Happiness is easy to find
excitedly chatting afterwards reinforced how valuable intergenerational activities are’.
With your loved ones or when you're having a good time
Happiness is scattered everywhere winners Colin Hinton, 92, and Avi Goel, 9, at Buckingham Palace to hear their Poetry Together winning poems.
Studies have shown that learning poetry by heart improves performance academically at school, improving concentration, and even supporting better sleep. For older people, evidence shows that learning poetry by
You should always know happiness is deep inside
The Queen received 2024’s Poetry Together competition
Benefits of poetry
heart can give you a happier and more successful life. It improves the ability to communicate and strengthen relationships, improves memory, increases brain capacity
Like atoms flying in the air
and can help keep dementia at bay. It’s amazing stuff really. Learning poetry together changes lives!
Happiness can make your life better
They were introduced by Gyles Brandreth and
Happiness brings people together
Poetry Together adds a further dimension - the
joined by Chairman and Founder, Aatif Hassan.
Even if you feel sad and lonely
well-documented benefit of younger and older
Her Majesty talked with Colin and Avi about their Poetry Together experience before listening to them perform their poems. Colin commented, “I was struck by how gracious
generations working together. Gyles said, “There
Just look deep inside your heart
is something quite special about people from two
Happiness is always looking for somewhere new to start
ends of the generational spectrum, connecting and having a chat over a cup of tea. It is a wonderful
Queen Camilla was, she made sure everyone felt special.”
1 30
W hat makes D ukes D ifferent ?
way to being communities closer together.”
SERVICE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
131
05
2025 AND BEYOND
1 32
2 0 2 5 and beyond
134
Quality of Teaching
136
New Developments
140
Marketing & Admissions
142
Dukes in the News
143
Dukes Hub
144
Dates for your Diary
145
Dukes Festival of the Arts
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
133
QUALITY OF TEACHING Educational initiatives and strategies are in place across Dukes to share good practice and to improve the quality of education in our schools.
Collaboration
Sustainability
DSL Training
Staff communities have been
Education has a pivotal role
Every school has a Designated
created on the new Dukes Hub
in embedding a mindset that
Safeguarding Lead, and
to share good practice. The Hub
understands the inter-connectivity
this year we have created
is an online resource for all staff
between human society and
forums where they can share
providing access to training and
the negative impacts it creates
experiences and resources and
a forum for sharing resources.
on the environment, and that
introduced wide-ranging Dukes
Experienced educators are heading
innovates and takes action to
training for DSLs. These have
up new Key Stage 2 and Key
address that. By providing and
included updates from sector
Stages 3 and 4 Teaching and
pooling curriculum resources and
leaders on evolving guidance,
Learning Forums. Resources for the
advice for our schools, which can
and group work on anonymised
Dukes Young Leaders Award and
be used at different age groups,
case studies to develop good
advice for teachers managing the
we will embed knowledge and
practice when handling complex,
programme are collected and freely
understanding about sustainability
sensitive and fast-moving
available to Dukes staff on the Hub.
in staff and students.
incidents involving children.
Upskilling Teaching Assistants
Deputy Heads Conference
Teacher career progression
A pilot training scheme for Teaching
Building on the first Deputy Heads
We continue to look at ways in
Assistants ran in 2024 to help
Conference held in January 2024,
which we can further develop
enhance teaching and learning
a second such event will be held
learning and teaching within
skills. A Development Day for all
in early 2025 with particular
our schools, including how we
Teaching Assistants was held in
attention on topics such as EDI,
can tighten our framework
March providing them with skills
self-care, data management,
for Career Progression
and knowledge to enhance their
assessment, and separate
throughout Dukes, by exploring
ability to support students. Bringing
sessions for prep and senior
initiatives such as sabbaticals,
Teaching Assistants together
deputies. The conference will
secondments to European
for the first time, they were able
also explore the use of podcasts
schools, and bespoke teacher
to discuss and share ideas and
and online forums to maintain
training that enrich our staff’s
create a support network.
engagement post-event.
experience and expertise.
Dukes Young Leaders Award
Global curriculum
AI
School Educational Quality Review The main approach to driving improvement is through
the skills of senior leaders, to showcase the specialist
the School Educational Quality Review (SEQR) visits to
knowledge of staff, and to improve the quality of
schools. These ‘critical friend’ reviews focus on a particular
education in all our schools and colleges.
aspect of a school’s education, identified by the school itself. SEQR visits can range from a full mock-inspection
We are increasing the frequency of our ‘critical friend’
at some schools, or a close look at pastoral systems in
visits to each school and college to once every two years:
Since September 2024, all settings
Heads and Principals are working
An AI Strategy Group, led by
another, to targeting the content and quality of STEAM
either to make an inspection-style visit to help schools
have a programme of co-curricular
together to identify what elements
a Dukes MD, is focusing on
education at another.
prepare for a forthcoming inspection or to help the school
activities and curriculum to develop
of a global curriculum for the 21st
developing policy, curriculum,
in its focus on one specialist aspect of provision.
leadership, service and a sense
century should be common threads
as well as tools and training for
of adventure among our pupils,
within Dukes schools - in the UK and
teachers to ensure a cohesive
All Dukes settings have been subject to an SEQR and are revisited every two years at least. They present an
In 2024 there were ten SEQR visits, involving 29 different
which can be accredited as part of
abroad - in the future, with a view
and impactful integration of AI
excellent opportunity to share good practice, to develop
people representing 22 separate Dukes settings.
the Dukes Young Leaders Award.
to piloting schemes in 2025-26.
across our educational offerings.
1 34
2 0 2 5 and beyond
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
135
26
New Developments CapEx projects continue across the Dukes estate. Despite some headwinds with local planning permission, new developments continue at pace.
major projects were completed in 2024
RIC
OHS Nursery
£70m+ total CapEx in the year RIC
Completed in 2024 Broomfield House
Hampton Court House
Radnor House Twickenham
Creation of new library and
General refurbishment.
Improvement to school entrance.
Hove Village Nurseries
Radnor House Prep
Broomwood Girls Prep
Refurbishment of New Church
Upgrading external sports pitch.
Creation of new classrooms
Road Nursery.
outdoor play space.
Sancton Wood School
and library. Institute of Education Colégio Júlio Dinis
58 Buckingham Gate
Expansion of teaching facilities. The Lyceum School
Expansion of teaching space and sports facilities.
Refurbishment of nursery.
International Sharing School
Creation of new nursery space.
Expanded sports facilities. The Pointer School
Copperfield International School
London Park School Clapham
Creation of new art and
New school opened.
science labs.
General refurbishment. Riverside Nursery Schools
Notting Hill Prep
New nursery in Richmond.
Devonshire House
Refurbishment to create new
General refurbishment.
classrooms and offices.
Eaton House Belgravia
Orchard House
Refurbishment with
Creation of STEAM centre
United Lisbon
technology focus.
and library.
International School
Eaton House The Manor
Pippa Pop-ins
Creation of Well-being Hub,
Construction of new nursery.
drama space and SEN rooms. Engage International School
Rochester Independent College New boarding house.
Expansion - new teaching block. Refurbishment of existing facilities. 58 Buckingham Gate Prospect House
Dukes Education office and
Early Years refurbishment.
training centre.
Early Years refurbishment.
1 36
2 0 2 5 and beyond
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
137
OHS Nursery
Princedale Road
58 Buckingham Gate
Kneller Hall
RIC
Ongoing major CapEx projects: Cardiff Sixth Form College
1
Kneller Hall Flagship new senior school in Twickenham.
2
Cardiff Sixth Form College New campus and accommodation for CSFC students.
Due for completion in 2025 Broomfield House
Notting Hill Prep
Refurbishment including
Playground refurbishment.
stage, flooring and technology upgrade and playground
Orchard House
improvements.
General refurbishment.
Broomwood Girls Prep
Pippa Pop-ins
New classrooms.
Completion of new Princedale Road nursery.
Eaton House Belgravia Prospect House
Re-roofing works.
General refurbishment. Hampton Court House
3
United Lisbon
Structural repairs, Early Years
Radnor House School
International School
and science lab upgrade.
Renovations to the
New sporting and performing arts facilities.
external facade. Hove Village Nurseries General refurbishment at Hove
The Lyceum School
Library and New Church Road.
New STEAM space.
Kindergarten Nurseries New Mallinson Road nursery.
1 38
2 0 2 5 and beyond
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
139
Launched new partner portal for international B2B
Marketing & Admissions Highlights 2024 Developed the Dukes Difference
Created Dukes House branding
Updated branding and design
Ran digital marketing campaigns in-house
Launched new websites
Grew our social media reach
Launched new features on DukesPlus.com
Rolled out parent survey tool
Hosted multiple Agent events at Dukes House
Held Alumni events and Cambridge Uni mentoring days
Attended dozens of international exhibitions
Generated PR coverage
DIGITAL INNOVATION
BRAND BUILDING Salesforce optimised
Thought-leadership publications
I am so grateful for the professional development opportunities we have thanks to Dukes Education. What I loved about the ALP and MLP is that you don’t even realise how much you learn thanks to the great masterclass format. Everyone is here to share knowledge and experience and you always leave these afternoons with a notebook full of fresh ideas! And being able to apply this learning to obtain an official diploma from The University of Buckingham is the icing on the cake (the best kind!)
ENGAGING EVENTS
Increased quality of video content
Exhibited at the Independent Schools Show
Attended British Embassy Event in Lisbon
MARKETING L&D Laura Martinez, Marketing Manager at Devonshire House School
Marketing and admissions Leadership Programme
Recruited and trained new staff
Instrumental in planning and delivering the Dukes Conference and annual awards
Innovated internal communication and culture
44
83% Growth in international enrolments
1 40
83% average mystery shopping scores
2 0 2 5 and beyond
41 40 38 37
GROWTH & RESULTS
Excellent Net Promoter Score
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
Planned and organised Celebrated Heroes Dukes Education’s Behind The Crown Festival of the Arts
Held biggest ever Poetry Together event
Ran overnight Dukes Club events
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
141
Dukes in the News Teen builds his own nuclear fusion reactor at college as part of his A* grade in his A-levels.
Dukes Hub The boom in home schooling Seizing a growing market opportunity, education providers have enhanced their offerings. In central London, not far from the Ritz hotel, is the London Park School Mayfair, which is participating in an educational experiment by its owner Dukes Education.
“When you bring people together who share a common purpose and set of principles, extraordinary things really do happen.” – Aatif Hassan
The new Dukes Hub combines the core pillars of Dukes L&D - Courses and Communities. With its intuitive search capabilities, navigating through resources and courses is both efficient and user-friendly. Through the Courses section, the Hub acts as the central portal for accessing, booking, and certificating training opportunities. Tapping into the wealth of knowledge across our network, the Communities section of the Hub leverages the expertise held in the Dukes family. It enables collaboration through forums and allows communities to form and share ideas. Our nurseries, schools, colleges and the Dukes Plus organisation can share best practices and collaborate beyond face-to-face interactions. Through its library of assets, users can search for what they need as well as share materials with colleagues. The Hub will be the store of the best educational material and content across the group.
Labour’s VAT raid is lazy politics, says private school kingpin. Aatif Hassan, the investor who founded Dukes Education, claims Keir Starmer’s policy will drive inequality.
Scan to watch... Aatif’s interview with BBC World News
1 42
2 0 2 5 and beyond
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
14 3
Dates for your Diary Spring February
March
— 4th February: Dukes Festival of
— 14th March: Senior Leaders’
the Arts at the Royal Festival Hall — 6th February: Deputy Heads’ Conference — 13th - 21st February: Half term
Development Day — ExCom meetings — 22nd - 23rd March: The Renaissance Scholars’ Symposium at the Institute
Summer
of Education
April
May
June
The special event was hosted by a friend of Dukes,
— Annual Safeguarding Reviews
— 1st - 2nd May: ExCom meetings
— 2nd - 6th June: Dukes Sustainability
broadcaster and author, Gyles Brandreth. Guests enjoyed
— 27th March - 30th April: Easter holidays
— 2nd May: Little Dukes Leaders’ Day — 14th May: DSL Development Day — 21st May: Sustainability Champions’ Day — 26th - 30th May: Half term
Week
— 11th June: Bursars and Finance Managers’ Development Day
— 20th June: ExCom meetings
On 4th February, 950
December
— 3rd July - 3rd September:
— 20th - 31st October:
— 5th December: Dukes festive
Half term
dinner and annual awards — 11th December - 6th January:
— Governors’ meetings
November
Christmas holidays
by West End stars as part of their repertoire.
students performed in the
The night hosted the finals of the first Dukes Young
iconic Royal Festival Hall as
David Goodhew and Head of Basset House School, Chris
part of the Dukes Festival
drew on their musical expertise to crown the winner.
of Arts. This showcased
October
LAMS course
Franklin medley and Musical Medley, accompanied
— 5th - 13th June: Governors’ meetings
September
— Deadline to apply for 2025
A massed choir of 750 students performed an Aretha
Development Day
Development Day
Summer holidays
solo instrumentalists, monologues and an orchestra.
— 3rd June: Little Dukes DSL
— 20th June: Senior Leaders’
Autumn
acts and a range of ensembles from chamber choirs,
Musician of the Year Award. Judges, Managing Director, Woodward were accompanied by external judges and
The evening also featured an art exhibition in a further
talent from across the
display of artistic talent from across the group.
family, to a sellout audience
The Royal Festival Hall is home to London’s Philharmonic
in celebration of Dukes
truly memorable experience to all who took part.
Education’s 10th anniversary.
to the good work of the Dukes Foundation.
Orchestra. Performing on such a stage offered a Proceeds from the Dukes Festival of Arts will go
— Senior Leaders’ Development Day — Deadline to apply for 2025 SLP course — ExCom meeting
1 44
2 0 2 5 and beyond
Scan to watch...
Scan to see...
highlights of the Dukes
a selection of photos from this
Festival of the Arts
prestigious event
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
145
Dukes Education Dukes House 58 Buckingham Gate London, SW1E 6AJ +44 (0) 203 696 5300 info@dukeseducation.com dukeseducation.com
Printed on 100% recycled paper from 100% post-consumer waste