Two teams of Year 12 Media students at King James I Academy have been shortlisted to receive an award at The Key Awards 2026. The teams, calling themselves ‘The Gourmet Gurus’ and ‘The Escape Artists’ have been nominated in the category of ‘Key+ Innovators of the Year’.

The Key is an organisation which gives young people the opportunity to bid for funding to plan and deliver a project that interests them. Although they are supported by a trusted adult, the project is entirely youth-led and teams can bid for £250 to £1,000 as they progress through each Key Stage 1-3. King James decided to introduce The Key as part of their personal development programme for students at the beginning of the year, and since then, pupils in all year groups have formed teams and pitched their idea to the panel at Stage 1.

Supported by their Media Teacher, Lisa Davies, ‘The Gourmet Gurus’ and ‘The Escape Artists’ both received £250 each to organise team building events for 15 people in their class. The Gourmet Gurus funding paid for the whole class to visit a restaurant together for lunch, which was an excellent bonding experience and an opportunity for many to eat out at an authentic Italian restaurant for the first time. Problem solving and team working was the main aim of the second trip to Cluedini Escape Rooms, which was planned and funded by The Escape Artists. Recently, The Gourmet Gurus have progressed to Stage 2 and celebrated success at the judging panel where they received £500 funding; this was used for an overnight glamping trip which was designed to build confidence, independence and life skills.

Lucy Mulryan, Assistant Headteacher and Personal Development Coordinator at King James, and Food Teacher, Kyle Blood have also been shortlisted to receive an award in the category of Exceptional Key+ Facilitator of the Year. Both have worked closely with student teams to help them to achieve their goal. The Academy itself has also been shortlisted in The Key Outstanding Partner of the Year Category, which is testament to the school’s dedication to creating opportunities for enrichment and personal development. The Key Awards 2026 takes place in July at Newcastle Crowne Plaza.