King James unveil a plethora of accolades and achievements, as well as exciting opportunities for students.

Whether it's achieving top grades in a range of subjects, experiencing a fascinating new culture or engaging in a variety of extra-curricular activities, King James has so much to offer.

Great exam results

King James students have celebrated outstanding A-Level and GCSE results. Sixth Formers achieved a 100 per cent pass rate across all courses with the percentage of top grades well above the national average. 100 per cent of students who applied to university also successfully secured places at top institutions.

Anthony Chiang, who achieved A* grades in all four of his chosen subjects, Computer Science, Maths, Physics and Further Maths is now studying Computer Science at the University of Oxford; and Luke Graham is studying a Degree in Astrophysics at Newcastle University following top grades in Maths, Physics and Psychology.

Katie Rutherford has progressed to Durham University where she is studying a degree in Geography, and Holly Lowis, with top grades in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, secured her place to study Veterinary Science at the University of Nottingham. Year 11 students celebrated similar success in GCSE exams, with a large number achieving top grades in a wide variety of subjects.

Students explored the architecture, art, culture and cuisine of Barcelona (Image: King James I Academy)

International Opportunities

International travel gives young people the opportunity to learn about a country’s history, culture, religion and cuisine, whilst building confidence and a sense of adventure that raises aspirations for the future.

In previous years, students at King James have travelled to Venice, Barcelona, Madrid, Malta, Amsterdam, Krakow, Brazil, Ghana and Jamaica, but the school recognises that cost is a barrier for many families.

For this reason, heavily subsidised international trips will be available this year, so participation will be affordable for all students and activities will give them the chance to develop employability skills whilst exploring the world.

Year 9 STEM Club girls won the Industrial Cadets Teamwork Award (Image: King James I Academy)

An Academy of Winners

In 2023/24, King James won a number of awards and competitions. Students won five awards at the Bishop Auckland Town Council Youth Awards, and the school’s Year 8 entrepreneurs were the overall winners in the prestigious Future Business Magnates Competition.

As part of the extra-curricular STEM activities, the Year 9 team won the Industrial Cadets Teamwork Award, and the Sixth Form football team won the North East College’s League. Maths students also celebrated gold, silver and bronze awards in the UKMT Maths Challenges, and students in Years 9 and 10 achieved the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Academy was also recognised for the extensive health and wellbeing support services available for students in school with the Investing in Children Award, and Teaching Assistant, Lewis Lumley-Young was chosen from 90 apprentices to win the Teaching Assistant of the Year Award.

First Class Sport

King James boasts a host of sports facilities including a full size, floodlit 3G pitch, which can convert to three 7-a-side pitches, and a full size Northern League standard grass pitch with box nets. Both are used regularly by students in PE lessons and at lunchtime, and by members of the community outside of school hours.

There are also basketball and netball courts, a dance studio with mirror wall, and a full size indoor multi-use sports hall which is the biggest in the area; this is used for Badminton, Trampolining, Basketball, Dodgeball, Table Tennis and Circuits.

Extensive fields also allow participation in javelin, shotput, discus and running. The PE Department also organises an annual trip to Amsterdam where students enjoy football training sessions at the KNVB National Campus and visit the famous Ajax Stadium.