In the last week of term, an excellent time was had by competitors and spectators alike at our Year Group Sports Day events, which were held over two beautiful sunny days.

The Library at King James is a much-loved space for lessons, homework, virtual learning, independent reading and a host of extra-curricular clubs both at lunch time and after school.

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.

Members of our Sport and Healthy Lifestyles Ambassador Group have taken on a Ready, Steady, Cook challenge to design and prepare a healthy, balanced meal in just 60 minutes.

In our Science Department, teachers focus on planning creative and fun lessons to inspire students; and our Physics specialist and STEM Co-ordinator, Miss Thompson, organises a calendar of special activities and events to boost interest and engagement.

Last year, The Glove Project was one of our chosen year group charities and over the course of the academic year, students raised £1,252 through a variety of activities and events.

Today we welcomed Year 5 pupils from Etherley Lane, St Andrew's, Oakley Cross and Woodhouse Primary schools to King James.

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.

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.