Our Library has a well-established Creative Writing Club for students in Key Stage 3. Students write short stories or poetry at lunchtime, or work on projects over a longer period of time such as the Mother Tongue, Other Tongue poetry competition.

Each year in the Summer term, speakers from various industry sectors visit King James to speak directly to Year 10s. Sessions are designed to help students make informed choices about their future.

Each year, as part of our extra-curricular programme, we give Year 8 students the opportunity to take part in Durham County Council’s Future Business Magnates Competition, which focuses on developing the young entrepreneurs of the future.

In July, over 160 Year 11 students and King James staff enjoyed a glittering Prom Night at Hallgarth Hotel.

35 students in Year 9 have returned from a trip to Normandy in France with Academy Librarian, Mr Wheatley, our Director of Learning for Languages, Miss Stephenson and History Teacher, Miss Best. The trip combined opportunities for students to develop their language skills with learning about French culture and World War II history.

Year 8 student, Casey F has received a special award at the Bishop Auckland Town Council Youth Awards 2026. This annual event recognises the outstanding achievements of young people across Bishop Auckland.

Members of our Site Maintenance Team have raised over £1,000 for charity by completing a 26-mile hike in the Lake District.

Slam poetry is a, exciting, high-energy form of performance poetry, designed to be spoken aloud rather than read from a page. It combines writing, theatrical delivery and audience interaction.

This year, over 40 students in Years 9, 10 and 11 have earned one of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Awards following completion of tasks in four main sections of the programme: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition.

This month, as part of our equality, diversity and inclusion programme, we held a special Day of Welcome event where students explored different cultures and experiences through a range of fun activities, including the popular Shine a Light cycling challenge.