On 14th November 2024, Sarah Elson and Ruth Lippiatt from Berry & Oak had the pleasure of volunteering at Allerton Grange School in Leeds for an interview practice session, organised by Ahead Partnership. This event, aimed at helping Year 11 students (ages 15-16) sharpen their interview skills, was a unique and rewarding opportunity to give back to the next generation of young talent.
We arrived early, briefed and excited, thanks to Ahead Partnership’s thorough preparation. The team had set the stage perfectly for us, ensuring we knew what to expect from start to finish. As we walked into the school hall, we couldn’t help but smile—sitting at those small tables instantly brought back memories of our own school days, particularly the nerve-wracking moments of taking exams. But we quickly reminded ourselves: the students were probably feeling a lot more nervous than we were about this experience!
The day ran like clockwork. Each interviewer received a schedule with the names of students they would be meeting, along with question sheets and all the necessary materials. At 9 a.m., the first group of students arrived, eager and ready to dive into the mock interviews. It was clear that these young people had prepared well and were excited to practice the art of self-presentation.
Each interview lasted 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes to jot down feedback. The format was efficient yet personal—each student came with a range of skills, experiences, and interests. Our role was to help them reflect on their strengths while gently guiding them to areas where they could improve. The changeovers between students were smooth, and before we knew it, it was time for a well-deserved break.
The break was a highlight—plentiful coffee, tea, and an array of pastries and biscuits ensured we were all well-looked after. A perfect pick-me-up before the second round of interviews. By the end of the session, we’d had the pleasure of speaking with 8-10 students, all of whom impressed us with their preparedness and enthusiasm. Some students were a bit more reserved, while others were natural conversationalists, but all had one thing in common: a genuine desire to make the most of the opportunity and improve their skills.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was learning about the students outside of their academic lives. From hobbies to volunteer work, the young people we met had a wealth of experiences that made them unique. Despite their differences, each student came across as confident, thoughtful, and ready for whatever the next chapter of their lives might hold—whether that involves further education, apprenticeships, or stepping into the world of work.
Sarah and I both left the event feeling deeply impressed—not only by the students themselves, but also by the dedicated staff and impressive facilities at Allerton Grange. The work that Ahead Partnership is doing to support young people is truly invaluable, and we couldn’t recommend getting involved with them more.
It was an inspiring day, and we’re proud to have been a part of it.
