This week we welcomed 939 visitors to King James for our annual Year 6 Open Evening. Following an introduction from our Headteacher, Mr Whitehead, visitors enjoyed a tour around the school to see facilities and take part in a range of organised activities.

Year 13 Media students have enjoyed a fun session with The Auckland Project (TAP) to learn about set dressing and the use of appropriate props. The session was an excellent introduction to set design as students prepare for their forthcoming film making unit.

Five members of staff and a Sixth Form student from King James have completed the Great North Run 2026. As a result, over £2,500 will be donated to four deserving charities.

Year 13 students in Media and Geography have enjoyed a five-night trip to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, where they explored Spanish history and culture, the influence of César Manrique upon the island’s architecture and landscapes, and the geothermal activity of the Timanfaya National Park.

Inside: Exam Results, Primary Liaison, International Trips, The Key+ Challenge, Sports News, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Science Initiatives, Health & Wellbeing, Sixth Form News and more.

This year, students in Years 10 and 11 with a passion for food and cooking will have free access to an exciting new extra-curricular opportunity delivered by King James in partnership with The Auckland Project and Bishop Auckland College.

Eight students in Year 11 have enjoyed a day at Kynren: The Storied Lands thanks to funding they secured in a bid to The Key. The Key is a charitable organisation which gives young people the opportunity bid for funds to organise their own activities.

Students at King James are celebrating fantastic GCSE results. This year, more students have also achieved a Grade 5 in both Maths and English than in previous years, with 96% of students achieving at least a Grade 4 in GCSE Statistics, a third of students achieving a Grade 5 and many students also being awarded Grade 7+. Overall results are very positive and we are delighted for our students, who have exceeded expectations across a range of subjects.

Students at King James are celebrating another year of success, following A-Level and vocational results. Many students in Year 13 are now starting degree courses at universities across the country.

Year 13 Media Students, Codey A and Elliot M have launched a new video podcast, which features themed discussions that combine both humourous and mature topics.