


On the 9th of January 2025, Yorkshire was gripped by an Arctic chill, with deep, crunchy snow and an icy wind sweeping through the region. But despite the frosty conditions, we were undeterred. Ruth Lippiatt and Lily Chandler from Berry & Oak braved the cold and headed to John Smeaton Academy in Leeds, joining a team of volunteers for a mock interview session organised by Ahead Partnership.
The event, aimed at Year 9 and 10 students (ages 13-15), was designed to equip them with vital interview skills and give them a taste of what employers are looking for in candidates. We arrived ready to engage with the students and excited to contribute to this invaluable learning experience.
Ahead Partnership had prepared us thoroughly, offering a pre-event briefing that covered everything we needed to know. One key piece of advice: the library, where we’d be conducting the interviews, was expected to be warm. However, given the subzero temperatures outside, we were advised to wear layers. While the room was bright and full of inspiring displays encouraging reading and learning, the chill of the outside world still crept in despite the heaters. Thankfully, we were well-prepared, and after a warm cup of tea, we were ready for the first group of students.
The day kicked off smoothly, with each form group escorted to the library by their tutor at their allotted time. We were armed with question and feedback sheets, and by just after 9 a.m., the first batch of students arrived. Some were clearly excited, others were a little more anxious, but all were ready to take part in the mock interviews and learn from the experience. It was especially rewarding to see how quickly the nervous students, initially unsure of what to expect, began to settle into the process. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zones highlighted their desire to grow and learn.
Each interview lasted about 10-15 minutes, followed by a brief feedback session. Our goal was simple but essential: to help the students recognise their strengths while gently guiding them on areas they could improve as they begin to navigate their futures. For the nervous students, the feedback often became a reassuring moment where they could reflect on their answers and see how they could enhance their confidence in future interviews. By the end of each mock session, even the most anxious students were walking away with a sense of accomplishment and a clearer understanding of how to succeed in real-world interviews.
The session ran seamlessly, with well-organised group changeovers. Before long, it was break time—a chance for the volunteers to catch up over a cup of tea and reflect on the morning’s insights. We were recharged and ready to dive into the next wave of students, which carried us right up to lunchtime. A delicious lunch provided by the school was a much-appreciated treat after speaking with 6-7 students during the morning sessions.
The afternoon was just as engaging, with a couple more form groups coming through. By the end of the day, we had spoken with 8-10 students, each one bringing their unique perspective and experiences. We were inspired by how many of them expressed an interest in history—a testament to the strong, engaging history department at John Smeaton Academy.
The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. They found the mock interviews invaluable and the advice from the volunteers both practical and insightful as they began to consider the next stages of their academic and personal journeys. For those who had been initially nervous, the experience proved to be not just a learning opportunity but a confidence boost, giving them a greater sense of self-assurance as they look toward the future.
Both Lily and I left the event feeling inspired—not just by the students, but also by the dedicated staff and impressive facilities at John Smeaton Academy. The work that Ahead Partnership is doing to support young people is truly invaluable, and we couldn’t recommend getting involved more.
We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in this special day.