Last term, we launched our own Academy Bank for students in conjunction with Darlington Building Society. The bank offers our students the opportunity to develop valuable life skills and watch their money grow through a number of incentive-based savings initiatives.

The first promotional incentive, called "High-5' sees accounts credited with £5 once five deposits of at least £1 have been made; this means that students can literally double their money in a matter of weeks! Year 11 students who open an account can also convert King James Reward Cards earned in lessons, into discounted prom tickets.

The bank is open for business every Monday and Friday during lunchtime and students are able to make deposits and withdrawals through our Student Banking Team, who have all been fully trained by Darlington Building Society staff.

Bank Co-ordinator and Teacher of Business Studies, Mrs Lobb said, "The Academy is committed to helping students develop life skills that extend beyond the classroom, so we are really excited to have our own branch of Darlington Building Society. Our aim is to encourage saving from an early age and help our young people develop excellent money management skills in preparation for their financial futures. This is a unique partnership, which will not only benefit our student investors as they watch their savings grow, but it will also offer realistic working experience for our Year 9 Banking Team, Megan L, Phoebe M, Faye H, Emma H, Tiegan C and Niamh M.