Shireland Sixth Form was delighted to host The Elephant Group for a unique recruitment event where students played an active role in the interview and selection process for the organisation’s new Programme Coordinator. Recognising that young people are central to their mission, The Elephant Group chose to hold the interviews in a school setting, ensuring that Sixth Form students at the Academy could meet with candidates and provide valuable feedback.
Throughout the day, year 12 and 13 students, alongside Academy staff, met with candidates, offering insights and perspectives that became an integral part of the decision-making process. This not only gave students the opportunity to shape the selection of an individual who will support young people in accessing top universities, but also provided them with first-hand experience of a professional recruitment setting.
The event allowed students to develop key communication and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of interview processes. With an exceptionally high standard of candidates, the process was particularly challenging, but the involvement of students ensured that the chosen candidate would fully understand the needs and aspirations of those they will be working to support.
Ben Brogan, Head of Sixth Form and Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “This was a fantastic experience for our students, giving them a unique insight into a professional recruitment process while seeing how much their opinions were valued. They approached the day with professionalism and maturity, and it was inspiring to watch them engage so confidently with candidates.
“At Shireland, we are committed to providing opportunities that give our students a competitive edge when making their post-18 decisions, preparing them for life beyond school. This event was a perfect example of that in action. We are proud to partner with The Elephant Group and look forward to continuing our collaboration to support our students in achieving their aspirations.”
Founded in 2018, The Elephant Group is a national, headteacher-led education charity dedicated to improving social mobility by helping students from underrepresented backgrounds secure places at leading universities. By working in partnership with schools, universities and employers, the organisation provides students with the guidance, resources, and networks necessary to succeed in higher education and beyond. Their vision is to increase the number of academically gifted non-selective state school students in the UK’s top universities, ultimately driving greater representation in leading professions and positions of influence.
Jayne Taylore, Chief Executive of The Elephant Group, commented: “Holding our recruitment process in a school setting reinforced why we do this work. The students at Shireland Collegiate Academy were exceptional—thoughtful, articulate, and highly engaged.
“Their feedback played a crucial role in our decision-making, and we are grateful for the Academy’s support. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership and celebrating the future successes of Shireland students.”
Shireland Sixth Form remains committed to building strong partnerships with organisations like The Elephant Group to provide students with meaningful experiences that enhance their future prospects. Through engagement with industry experts, universities, and careers advisors, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their next steps. By fostering ambition, resilience, and confidence, Shireland ensures its students are well-equipped to seize opportunities and thrive in their chosen pathways.
