13-year-old Lucy H has recently set two new world records for Under 16s by deadlifting a staggering 180kg; this is equivalent to over 28 stone.

Showing support for local and national charities is an important part of Academy life at King James and a full programme of activities and events are organised throughout the year to raise funds.

As the winner of a special competition run by King James I Academy, 10-year-old Warren H from Witton Park was delighted to be presented with an Amazon Fire tablet by Headteacher, Simon Whitehead.

This week we were delighted to welcome primary pupils from Springmoor Grange School in Spennymoor to King James for a day of fun taster sessions.

The Academy believes in creating learning opportunities that are both inside and outside of the classroom. This not only increases student engagement, but it also allows young people to experience tourist attractions and venues that they may not have visited before.

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.

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.