Every year at King James I Academy, staff and students look forward to the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning event, which takes place in September. This is just one of the much-anticipated fundraising events included on the Academy calendar.

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.

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.

Showing support for local and national charities is an important part of our Academy life and we organise a programme of activities and events throughout the year to raise funds.

Each year, our Year 12 students take part in Work Experience Week, with placements in a wide range of sectors.

Year 12 students at King James I Academy have won ‘The KEY+ Pitch Innovators of the Year’ award at The Key Awards 2026, which was held at Newcastle Crowne Plaza.

There are a number of opportunities for Sixth Form students to take part in paid work whilst studying at King James. These offer not just a welcome source of income, but also a way to gain valuable work experience and a respected addition to their CV.