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.

Simon Whitehead, Headteacher at the Academy chose to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington, whilst Lucy Mulryan, Assistant Headteacher ran for Macmillan Cancer Support. History Teacher, Lois Best ran in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust and Year 13 student, Codey A chose to support If U Care Share Foundation. Science Teacher, Lucy Wilson and Head of Computing, Jade Franklin both took on the iconic half marathon as a personal test of fitness and endurance.

Codey said, “I have grown up watching the Great North Run and always wanted to take part. This was my first time running and although it was a challenge, it was a brilliant experience. The atmosphere was amazing and the crowds really keep you going as they stand in line along the whole route. I enjoyed it so much I’ve already signed up for next year.”

Fundraising is an important part of life at King James and activities and events are organised throughout the year with students taking part with great enthusiasm. In the last academic year, the Academy raised over £11,000 to benefit a number of local, national and in-house charities.

Mr Whitehead said, “Fundraising is a great way to promote empathy in young people and to give them a sense of belonging in the world and personal achievement. Hopefully, as a group we have set a good example to our students by raising this money, and proved that with determination, you can achieve anything, even a half marathon.”

Applications to attend King James in September 2027 are now open via the link at www.kingjames1academy.co.uk